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UC-NRLF 


DESCRIBING 

EVERY  THING  WORTHY  OF  INTEREST 

CONNECTED    WITH    THE 

Public  Buildings,  the  Rooms,  Crescents,  Theatre, 
Concerts,  Baths,  its  Literature,  fyc. 

INCLUDING 

WALCOT  AND  WIDCOMBE, 

AND    THE 

rurvoun&tug  <Lltrtmti>; 

With  Sketches  of 

PRIOR-PARK-HOUSE,  THE  ROCKS  OF  WICK,    CORSHAM-HOUSE,  AND 
ITS  FINE  COLLECTION  OF  PAINTINGS: 

ALSO    AN     EXCURSION    TO 

CLIFTON  AND  BRISTOL  HOT-WELLS, 

IVitk  a  Visit  to  Lord  de  Clifford'*  House,  and  some  Remarkt  upon  its  Pictures : 
The  whole  forming 

&  complete  l£utire 

TO    THE 

VISITORS    OF     THE    ABOVE    CITY. 


BY  p.  EGAN 


PRINTED  FOR  MEYLER  AND  SON, 

at  the  Bath  Herald  Office; 

BARRY    AND    SON,     BRISTOL;     J.VINCENT,    OXFORD;     AND 
fcHT.RWOOD,    NEET.Y,    AND    JONES,    LONDON. 

1819. 


%m 


PREFACE. 


BATH  has  been  so  long  known,  so  much  fre- 
quented, and  so  often  written  upon  by  various 
authors,  both  in  the  serious*  and  comic  t  style  of 
description,  that  it  might  be  presumed  little  mat- 
ter is  now  left  to  furnish  any  thing  like  contents 
for  a  NRW  VOLUME,  without  monotonously 
treading  over  and  over  again  the  same  hack- 
neyed, beaten  ground  :  and  however  industriously 
the  literary  sportsman  may  beat  up  the  field,  he 
is  not  likely  to  put  up  any  fresh  birds,  much 
more  bring  them  down  :  — 


SCRIBBLKJU  are  i/wtimcM  ;  and,  a»  iportimcn  arc, 
Some  hit,  some  ruiai,  sumo  poach,  andionie  boat  fair} 
This  wound*  a  itraggling  bird  ;  that  often  triei 
But  never  kill*;  ho  ibooti  and  »huti  both  eyci. 
Some  will  whole  covlei  talte,  nineteen  in  twenty  j 
And  then  yon  imack  your  lipi—  for  game  li  plenty  ; 
In  ihort,  by  you  their  mcriti  must  be  tried, 
And  wo«  to  them  who  nrc  not  qualified  I 

Whatever  has  been  written  relative  to  the 
ANTIQUITIES  of  BATH,  (whether  fabulous  or 
real,)  it  must  be  admitted  the  subject  has  been 
fully  explored;  its  fine  OLD  ABBKY  por- 
trayed ;  the  beauty  and  elegance  of  its  CBES- 

*  WAHHIR.  f  AMTIY, 

899152 


y  PREFACE. 

CENTS  not  omitted ;  its  AMUSEMENTS  blazoned 
forth ;  its  CHARITIES  not  forgotten ;  its  COM- 
FORTS recognized;  its  extreme  CLEANLINESS 
developed  ;  the  virtues  of  its  BATHS  promul- 
gated ;  and  the  efficacy  of  its  WATERS  en- 
larged upon,  in  all  the  various  "  Old"  and  "  New 
Guides"  still  extant :  the  thing  is  not  meant  to  be 
denied;  nor  is  it  the  intention  of  the  Author 
to  assert,  that  any  of  the  above  fixed  pictures 
are  not  faithful  PORTRAITS.  But  notwithstand- 
ing this  disparagement  and  great  drawback  to 
surmount- 
True  hope  ne'er  tires,  but  mounts  with  eagle's  wings, 

and  anew  moving  PICTURE  OF  BATH  is  at  length 
produced.  How  far  the  artist  has  hit  oft"  an 
accurate  and  animated  likeness — with  what  fide- 
lity he  has  preserved  the  features — whether  the 
light  and  shade  have  been  properly  introduced — 
the  tints  glowing — and  the  colouring  so  well 
diffused  as  to  harmonize  the  whole,  must  be  left 
to  the  decision  of  his  judges.  The  attempt  is 
nouvelle;  and,  he  trusts,  the  "WALKS  THROUGH 
BATH"  will  not  only  prove  interesting  and  use- 
ful, but  that  it  will  ultimately  give  pleasure  to 
all  his  readers. 

Although  the  visitor  may  "  read  as  he  runs" 
in  his  perambulations  through  the  streets  of 
Bath,  yet  nothing  of  importance  has  been  omit- 
ted;  and  the  numerous  engravings,  executed 


PREFACE.  V 

by  an  eminent  artist,*  will  most  accurately 
point  out  to  him,  that  every  building  of  note  is 
presented  to  his  view.  It  will  also  possess  this 
advantage,  that  it  will  save  the  unpleasant  trouble 
of  asking  questions. 

To  the  admirers  of  the  FINE  ARTS,  a  cata- 
logue of  the  numerous  Pictures;  a  sketch  of  the 
interior  of  the  Mansion ;  a  review  of  the  Plea- 
sure-Grounds, and  every  subject  connected  with 
CORSHAM-HOUSE,  so  highly  interesting  to  all 
its  visitors,  is  minutely  introduced. 

The  lovers  of  LITERATURE  will  also  peruse 
some  short  accounts  of  those  persons,  natives  of 
Bath,  whose  genius  and  talents  have  tended 
to  increase  the  importance  of  this  attractive 
City. 

And  to  add  to  the  interest,  if  not  the  comple- 
tion, of  the  "  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH,"  a  de- 
scriptive Itinerary  has  been  attempted  from 
Hyde-Park  Corner,  London,  to  the  "  EN- 
TRANCE" of  the  above  elegant  City,  in  which  no 
gentleman's  seat,  no  anecdote  illustrative  of  the 
various  towns,  or  other  prominent  features  tend- 
ing to  occupy  the  mind  of  the  traveller,  have  been 
omitted.  The  various  objects  upon  the  road 
from  Bath  to  Bristol  have  also  been  described 
with  equal  minuteness  and  attention.  A  WALK 
to  the  Rocks  of  St.  Vincent,  Bristol  Hot-Wells 

*  J.  STOEBR. 


VI  PBBFACE. 

and  Clifton,  and  the  Park  of  Lord  de  Clifford, 
with  some  remarks  on  his  fine  Collection  of  Paint- 
ings has  also  been  introduced,  in  order  to  save 
the  time  of  the  traveller,  if  necessary,  who  may 
feel  disposed  to  extend  his  journey  by  viewing 
the  above  delightful  subjects,  so  intimately  con- 
nected with  a  visit  to  BATH. 

The  Author  has  only  to  regret,  that  descrip- 
tion, however  highly-coloured,  must  fall  short 
towards  communicating  with  effect,  the  unparal- 
leled and  delightful  scenery  with  which  this  most 
elegant  City  abounds. 


APRIL  2,  1819. 


CONTENTS. 


PREFACE ., .  *. .«»•••»«•%••    iii 

List  of  Plates .. x 

Coaches  from  London  to  Bath ,   ..     xi 

Descriptive  Itinerary  of  all  the  Towns  and  Gen- 
tlemen's Seats,  from  Hyde-Park-Corner  to 
Bath 1 

Entrance  to  Bath 30 

Epitome  of  Ancient  and  Modern  Bath,  a  Prelude 

to  the  Walks 36 

WALK  I. 

From  the  York  Hotel  to  the  Abbey,  Great 
Pump-Room,  the  King's,  Queen's,  and 
New  Private  Baths,  Literary  Society,  &c.  6T 

WALK  II. 

From  the  South  Wing  of  Sydney-Place  to 
the  New  Church,  Bathwick,  South  and 
North  Parades,  Old  Rooms,  Freemasons' 
Hall,  Bath  Antiquities,  &c 98 


Vlll  CONTENTS. 

WALK  III. 

From  Portland-Place  to  the  New  Rooms, 
Circus,  &c 125 

WALK  IV. 

From  Milsom-Street  to  the  Theatre,  Parson- 
age-House, Market-House.  Guildhall,  Bath 
Penitentiary,  Walcot  Parade,  the  Ferry,  &c.  140 

WALK  V. 

From  Upper  Camden-Place,Lan<:down-Road, 
All  Saints'  Chapel,  the  Royal  Crescent,  &tc.'  159 

WALK  VI. 

The  Promenade  to  the  Village  of  Weston, 
House  of  Protection,  Waterfall,  &c 164 

WALK  VII. 

An  Aquatic  Stroll.  From  the  Old  Bridge, 
alongside  of  the  Avon,  to  the  Gasometer ; 
return  by  the  Upper  Bristol  Road,  &c.  . .  170 

WALK  VIII. 

From  High-Street  to  Sydney  Hotel  and 
Gardens ;  and  the  Queen's  House 179 

WALK  IX. 

From  Great  Pulteney-Street  to  the  Bride- 
well, Prior-Park  and  House,  Allen's-Walk, 
Prospect  -  Place,  and  Stone  Quarry  at 
Combe-Down.  To  the  Brass  Knocker;  the 
Aqueduct,  &c 188 

WALK  X. 

From  the  Circus  to  the  Race-Ground  and 
Stand.  Lansdown  Fair  and  Monument. 
Prospect  Style.  The  Rocks  at  \Yick,  &c.  210 


CONTENTS.  IX 

Page 
WALK  (or  Ride)  XI. 

From  Grosvenor-Place  to  Bath  Easton,  Box, 
and  Pickwick.  The  FINE  ARTS.  A  Visit 
to  Corsham-House  ;  its  fine  Collection  of 
Paintings ;  Park,  &c 219 

WALK  (or  Excursion)  XII. 

From  the  Old  Bridge  through  Twiverton,  Salt- 
ford,  Keynsham,  and  Brislington.  A  Visit 
to  Clifton  and  Bristol  Hot  Wells.  De- 
scriptive Itinerary  of  the  Road  to  Bristol. 
Walk  to  St.  Vincent's  Rocks,  through 
Clifton,  &c 237 

WALK  (or  Excursion)  XIII. 

A  Sail  down  the  Avon  to  the  Harbour  of 
Pill.  Walk  to  Pen  Pole,  Shirehampton, 
Sec.  A  Visit  to  Lord  de  Clifford's  House, 
Park,  Collection  of  Paintings,  &c 253 

Literary   Characters,    Natives,  or  Persons   inti- 
mately connected  with  Bath 262 

List  of  Coaches  from  Bath  to  London,  &c 276 

Caravans  on  the  Roads  contiguous  to  Bath    ....  278 

Waggons,  &c 280 

Water-Carriage     281 

Itinerary  of  the  various  Roads  from  Bath 282 

Fairs 283 

Index  ...  .  285 


LIST  OF  PLATES. 


YorkHotel .,,    34 

The  General  Hospital   ... ,,...% Tl 

ThePumpRoom  ...,> 83 

The  Royal  Baths    ..,,...,,..,,,»,...,.. , ,     86 

The  Cross  Bath  Pomp  Room 89 

TheHotBath    ., ,     90 

The  Old  Bridge 93 

St.  James's  Church 94 

Bathwick  Old  Church  100 

Pulteney  Bridge 101 

View  of  the  Ahhey  Church*  from  the  Banks  of  the  Avon    lb, 

The  Lower  Rooms .................  1 Of 

Freemasons*  Hall  116 

Part  of  the  Royal  Circus  .......................  196 

Upper  Rooms    .,,..,....,..,.....,..,.........  197 

The  Theatre, 141 

Blue  Coat  School 144 

The  Rector's  House 147 

Sjduej  Hotel..,.. ISO 

The  Queen's  House .,....,..  ,v .......   286 

Prior  Park * , 1»1 


COACHES   FROM    LONDON  TO  BATH. 


BATH  COACHES  which  set   <mt  from  the 
INNS  i»  LONDON. 


ANGEL  INN,  ST.  CLEMENT'S,  STRAND.-«Po*t  Coach,  throvgh 
Reading,  Newbury,  Hungerford,  Marlborough,  Calne,  and 
Chippenham,  daily,  at  a  quarter  before  6  in  the  morning  |  ar» 
rivet  at  Bath,  10  evening. 


o/  FamUiet.  /nxitofc,  frc.  (Sunday  excepted.)  a  two-day  Coach, 
by  Berkhampton  Inn,  Devlics,  and  Melksham,  dally,  at  ft 
morning. 

Po»t  Coach,  to  Bristol, 

through  Calne  and  Chippenham,  daily,  a  quarter  before  9  after- 
noon  (Sunday  excepted.) 

BELLE  SAUVAGE,  LUDGATE-HILL.— Bath  and  Bristol,  through 
Marlborough,  Calne,  and  Chippenham,  daily,  half.past  8  In 
the  morning. 

BOLT-IN-TUN,  FLEET-STREET,— Pott  Coach,  by  Devlaes  to 
Beckhampton  Inn,  daily,  (Sunday  excepted,)  ha\f>paat  h  In  the 
morning. 

CASTLE  AND    FALCON,  ALDERSGATB-STRRET — Bath  and 

Bristol,  through  Marlborough,  Calne,  and  Chippenham,  dally, 
quarter  before  9  afternoon. 

CROSS  KEYS,  WOOD-STREET,  CHEAPSIDE.-- Bath  and  Bristol, 
(Th«  Regulator,)  dally,  half-p»»t  4  afternoon. 

GEORGE  AND  BLUE  BOAR,  HOLUOKN,— Bath  and  Bristol,  Post 
Coach,  through  Maidenhead,  Reading,  Newbury,  Hungtrtofd, 
Marlborough,  Calne,  and  Chippenham,  dally,  1  afternoon. 

GERARD'S  HALL,  BASINO-LANE,  BROAD-STREET,  BLACK 
BEAR,  AND  WHITE  HUKSI.  (  i.i.LARS,  PICCADILLY,... 
Bath,  through  Hungerfnrd,  Marlboroufh,  Devliea,  and  Melk- 
sham,  daily,  1  afternoon. 


Ditto, 

through  Calne  and  Chlppcnham,  dally,  \  afternoon,  (Sunday 
at  i.) 

GOLDEN  CROSS,  CHARING.CR08§....Bath  and  Bristol,  through 
Devises  and  Melksham  to  Beckhampton  Inn,  daily,  6  in  the 
morning.  (Sunday  excepted.) 


Bath  and  Bristol,  New  Post 

Coach,  by  Deviies,  every  afternoon,  at  5  o'clock. 


xil         COACHES    FROM    LONDON    TO    BATH. 

KING'S  ARMS,  SNOW-HILL.— Bath  and  Bristol,  (The  Independent,} 
through  Marlborough,  Devizes,  and  Melksham,  daily,  5  in 
the  morning. 

SARACEN'S  HEAD,  SNOW-HILL.— Bath  and  Bristol,  through 
Newbury,  Hungerford,  Marlborough,  and  Chippenham,  daily, 
1  afternoon. 

SWAN  WITH  TWO  NECKS,  LAD-LANE— Bath,  Royal  Mail, 
through  Marlborough  and  Devizes,  daily,  half-past  7  in  the 
afternoon. 


Bath   and   Bristol, 

(Royal  Volunteer,}  through  Marlborough,  Calne,  and  Chippen- 
ham, daily,  quarter  before  4  afternoon. 

TEMPLE  COFFEE  HOUSE,  TAVERN,  AND  FAMILY  HOTEL, 
STRAND,  NEAR  TEMPLE-BAR.— Bath  and  Bristol,  daily, 
1  and  5  afternoon. 

WHITE  BEAR,  PICCADILLY.— Bath  and  Bristol,  Post  Coach, 
daily,  half-past  1  afternoon. 


DESCRIPTIVE  ril 

ruoM 

LONDON  TO  BATH. 


FASHION  in  ev'ry  thing  bears  sov'reign  sway, 
And  Bath  for  "  Life  !"  the  gayest  of  the  gay  ! 


WHEN  the  attractions  of  MARGATE,  as  a  watering- 
place,  have  lost  their  charms,  and  become  little  more 
than  a  mere  desert,  its  finely  ornamented  "  steam- 
boats"* laid  up,  as  it  were,  in  ordinary,  and  its  "  com- 
pany "  got  safely  back  to  the  metropolis,  once  more  bu- 
sily engaged  behind  their  counters,  of  which,  that  fa- 
cetious and  satiric  bard,f  when  in  the  zenith  of  his 
powers,  thus  described  : — 

Chang'd  by  their  travels — mounted  high  in  soul 
Here  Suds  forgets  whate'er  remembrance  shocks, 

And  Mistress  Suds  forgetteth  too  the  pole, 

Wigs,  bob  and  pig-tail,  basins,  razors,  blocks  ! 

*  The  rapidity  and  regularity  of  this  new  conveyance  has 
been  much  admired,  and  provided  the  doubtful  part  of  the 
passage  could  be  got  over  in  the  minds  of  a  few  sceptics 
who  place  some  value  upon  their  carcasses,  namely,  if  the 
cargo  is  not  altogether  missing  some  day  from  the  blowing  up 
of  the  vessel,  "  leaving  not  a  wreck  behind,"  the  old  hoys 
must  soon  be  exploded. 

t  PETER  PINDAR. — This  once  facetious  disciple  of  the 
Muses,  it  seems,  has  long  since  been  poetically  dead  to  the 
world  ;  and  his  tille  has  been  usurped  by  a  variety  of  persons, 
without  possessing  even  a  mediocrity  of  talent,  compared 
with  this  great  original.  Dr.  WAICOT  is,  however,  alive 
at  the  present  moment  (Jan.  1819);  and/jndependent  of 

u 


DESCRIPTIVE    ITINERARY 

Mistrc&s  Pap,  from  pewter  pots  withdrawn, 
Walks  forth  in  all  the  pride  of  paunch  and  geer, 
Mou/its  I'cr  swoln  heels  'jn  Dandelion's  lawn, 
And  at  the  bail-room  heaves  her  heavy  rear. 

Here  Crispin  too  forgets  his  end  and  awl, 
Here  Mistress  Cleaver,  with  important  looks, 

Forgets  the  beef  and  mutton  on  her  stall, 
And  lights  and  liver  dangling  from  the  hooks  ! 

Here  too  the  most  important  Dicky  Dab, 

With  puppy  pertness,  pretty,  pleasant  PRIG, 

Forgets  the  narrow  fishy  house  of  Crab, 
And  drives  in  Jehu-style  his  whirling  gig  ! 

When  CHELTENHAM,  also,  has  yielded  up  its  fashion- 
able valetudinarian  visitants;  and  BRIGHTON,  from 
the  rudely  southern  breezes  driven  the  elegant  and 
almost  transparent  fair  ones  off  its  dashing  Steynes, 
and  left  principally  to  the  care  of  its  natives  and 
rough  uncultivated  fishermen,  notwithstanding  roy- 
alty's palace,*  "  out-heroding "  all  the  talismanic 
touches  of  the  genii  of  the  "  Arabian  Nights,"  it  is 

being  deprived  of  the  advantages  of  vision,  may  be  said  to 
enjoy  a  fine  green  old  age,  full  of  spirits,  still  passionately 
fond  of  poesy,  as  eager  as  ever  to  enjoy  the  ban  mot  and  re- 
partee, strongly  attached  to  literary  men  and  literary  com- 
pany ;  not  dull  in  himself  when  alone,  and  with  the  assist- 
ance of  his  attendant  HEBE,  who,  from  his  dictation,  pens 
down  his  verses,  (which,  according  to  report,  are  equal  to 
any  of  his  former  productions,  but  which  are  said  to  be  pre- 
served for  his  posthumous  works,)  and,  with  his  glass  of  rum 
before  him,  from  which  he  frequently  sips,  and  well  cased  in 
flannel,  he  seems  almost  to  laugh  at  the  grim  king  of  terrors. 
*  When  this  palace  is  completed,  (in  which  the  hammer  has 
scarcely  had  a  day's  rest  for  the  last  twenty  years,)  it  may 
bid  defiance  to  the  whole  universe  to  produce  any  thing  like 
an  equal !  It  seems  as  though  Time  did  not  like  his  work  : 

As  though  he  wanted  something  better  still 
Than  e'er  was  manufactur'd  at  his  mill. 


FROM    LONDON    TO    BATH.  3 

then  that  the  season  for  visiting  the  splendid  and  clas- 
sic BATH  hecomes  the  universal  place  of  resort,  and 
the  beau  monde  all  upon  the  alert  to  reach  its  fashion- 
able destination.  Whether  the  foot-step  of  the  gay 
"  set  out"  of  the  barouche  offers  its  ascent  to  the  eager 
traveller, 

"  With  spirits  gay  we  mount  the  box,  the  tits  up  to  the  traces," 

or,  the  more  accommodating  ladder  to  mount  the  roof 
of  the  Regent*  to  the  coaches  "  all  right— ya-hip!" 
and  the  sounding  of  the  bugle  by  the  guard  to  quit  the 
bustle  of  the  White  Horse  Cellar,  the  journey  to  most 
minds  commences  with  pleasure  and  delight:  and,  al- 
though he  may  not  possess  the  talents  of  a  STERNE  to 
reali/e  another  "  Sentimental  Journey,"  he  will,  never- 
theless, find  the  road  far  from  "  barren ;"  but,  on  the 
contrary,  furnish  him  with  abundant  interesting  objects 
for  his  attention  and  observation,  more  especially,  if 
the  passengers  are  truly  English,  (i.  e,  of  that  sort  of 
quality  which  is  so  humourously  depicted  by  MATHEWS 
in  his  "  Mail  Coach  Adventures")  the  traveller  may 
possess  the  advantages  of  thinking;  indeed,  for  in- 
stance, some  hours  often  elapse  before  a  single  word 
can  be  thaioed  from  your  close-squeezed  cold  neigh- 
bour ;  and  if  you  can  provoke  any  conversation  beyond 
the  laconic  "  yes,"  or  "  no !"  you  are  likely  to  be 
silenced  after  the  mode  of  the  following  surly  remark, 
to  prevent  any  future  attacks: — "  Sir,  I  am  remark- 
ably well ;  I  was  very  well  when  I  left  town,  I  am 
very  well  now,  and  if  I  should  happen  to  be  taken  ill, 
sir,  I'll  let  you  know."  Yet,  perhaps,  it  is  much  more 
pleasant  to  endure  even  this  reserve,  than  to  be  an- 
noyed with  the  purse-proud  importance  of  one  of 
"  Fortune's  fools,"  who  can  talk  of  nothing  else  but 
the  collection  of  his  rents,  and  flatters  himself  he  has 
a  right  to  be  listened  to  because  he  is  a  man  of  pro- 

*  The  name  of  a  coach. 

B  2 


4  DESCRIPTIVE    ITINERARY 

perty ;  or,  in  being  bored  to  death  by  some  uninformed 
cockney,  who  never  lost  sight  of  Bow-Church  before, 
and  whose  intellectual  sagacity  scarcely  points  out  to 
him  the  difference  between  grass  and  corn,  and  the 
sum  total  of  his  repeated  inquiries  amount  to,  "  What 
house  is  that  there"  and  "  what  is  growing  in  this  here 
field."  But  the  journey  is  began  ;  the  coach  is  in  full 
speed;  and  the  "good  bye"  scarcely  over,  when  the 
traveller  is  off  the  stones, — gone  through  KNIGHTS- 
BRIDGE,  and,  before  he  has  hardly  time  for  a  single 
reflection,  arrived  at  KENSINGTON-GORE,  (one  mile.) 
On  the  right  stands  the  Palace,  but  now  more 
famed  for  its  delightful  gardens  and  attractive  walks 
for  visitors  on  Sundays.  Just  through  Kensington, 
also  on  the  right,  appears  the  antique  mansion 
of  the  late  Lord  Holland,  and  father  of  that 
enlightened  and  illustrious  senator,  Charles  James 
Fox.  This  venerable  seat  also  lajs  claim  to  attention 
from  the  impressive  death  of  that  great,  good  man, 
and  classic  scholar,  ADDISON,  who  departed  this 
life  in  it.  It  was  here  where  the  above  truly  pious 
individual  requested  a  young  nobleman  to  behold 
"  with  what  resignation  a  Christian  could  die." 

The  chamber  where  the  good  man  meets  his  fate, 

Is  privileg'd  beyond  the  common  walk 

Of  virtuous  life,  quite  in  the  verge  of  heav'n. 

A  lecture,  silent,  but  of  sov'reign  pow'r! 

To  vice,  confusion  j  and  to  virtue,  peace. 

HAMMERSMITH  soon  appears  in  sight,  (3  m.  5 
f.)  and  on  the  right  of  which  stands  the  pleasant  seat 
of  R.  Ricardo,  Esq.  On  the  left  is  seen,  contiguous 
to  the  banks  of  the  Thames,  the  beautiful  mansion  of 
the  MARGRAVINE  of  ANSPACH,  known  by  the  name  of 
Brandenburgh-IIouse.  The  approach  to  it  from  the 
water  is  picturesque  in  the  extreme ;  and  art  has  been 
consulted  and  employed  to  render  its  appearance 
highly  interesting  to  the  spectator:  the  gardens  are 


FROM    LONDON   TO    BATH.  5 

laid  out  with  great  taste.  The  Margravine  is  a  lady 
not  only  conspicuous  for  her  eminent  literary  talents, 
her  splendid  private  theatricals,  performed  in  the 
theatre  at  Brandenburgh-House,  in  which  her  serene 
highness  frequently  delighted  her  auditory  in  the  two 
characters  of  heroine  and  author;  but  was  of  great 
notoriety  in  the  fashionable  world.  From  her  superior 
knowledge  and  facility  in  the  French  and  Italian  lan- 
guages, her  great  taste  for  the  arts  of  poetry  and  music, 
and  considerable  personal  attraction,  the  Margravine 
was  viewed  as  one  of  the  most  admired  women  of  her 
time.  Her  highness  has  published  several  works  in 
poetry,  the  drama,  travels,  and  novels ;  and,  as  a 
traveller,  since  the  days  of  Lady  Mary  Wortley  Mon- 
tague, no  female  ever  made  so  enterprising,  extensive, 
and  masculine  a  tour  as  the  Margravine.  In  short, 
few,  if  any,  places  of  note  upon  the  Continent  were 
suffered  to  escape  her  notice  or  her  pen,  and  fre- 
quently at  the  hazard  of  her  existence.  The  following 
poem  was  written  by  this  person  of  rank,  when  Lady 
Craven,  on  dreaming  she  saw  her  heart  at  her  feet:— 

"  When  Nature,  tir'd  with  thought,  was  sunk  to  rest, 
And  all  ray  senses  were  by  sleep  possest ; 
Sweet  sleep,  that  soft  and  balmy  comfort  brings, 
Alike  to  beggars  and  despotic  kings  ; 
I  dreamt  of  peace  I  never  felt  before, 
t  dreamt  my  heart  was  lying  on  the  floor. 
I  view'd  it,  strange  to  tell,  with  joyful  eyes, 
And  stranger  still,  without  the  least  surprise  ! 
Elated  with  the  sight  I  smiling  sat, 
Exulting  o'er  the  victim  at  my  feet ; 
But  soon  with  words  of  anguish  thus  address'd, 
This  painful,  sweet  disturber  of  my  breast : — 

'  Say,  busy,  lively,  hoping,  trembling  thing, 
What  new  disaster  hast  thou  now  to  bring, 
To  torture  with  thy  fears  my  tender  frame, 
Who  must  for  all  her  ills  thee  only  blame? 


(>  DBSCRIPT1V  E   IT1N  KRAR  Y 

Speak  now,  and  tell  me  why,  ungrateful  guest, 

For  ten  years  past  hast  them  denied  me  rest  ? 

Then  in  my  bosom  thou  wast  nurs'd,  'tis  true, 

And  with  my  life  and  with  my  stature  grew. 

At  first  so  small  were  all  thy  wants,  that  I 

Vainly  imagin'd  I  could  ne'er  deny 

Whate'er  thy  fancy  ask'd.      Alas!  but  now, 

I  find  thy  wants  my  ev'ry  sense  outgrow ; 

And  ever  having,  ever  wanting  more, 

A  power  to  please,  to  give,  or  to  adore. 

Say,  why,  like  other  hearts,  thou  dost  not  bear, 

With  callous  apathy,  each  worldly  care? 

Why  dost  thou  shrink  at  Envy's  horrid  cries  ? 

In  thee  Compassion  Hatred's  place  supplies. 

Why  not  with  malice  treat  malicious  meu  ? 

Why  ever  pity  where  thou  should'st  condemn? 

Why,  at  the  hearing  of  a  dismal  tale, 

Dost  thou  with  sorrow  turn  thy  beauty  pale  ? 

Why,  when  distress  in  any  shape  appears, 

Dost  thou  dissolve  my  very  soul  in  tears  ? 

Why,  in  thy  secret  folds  is  Friendship  bred? 

In  other  hearts  its  very  name  is  dead. 

Why,  if  keen  Wit  and  learned  Sense  draw  nigh, 

Dost  thou  with  emulation  beat  so  high? 

And  while  approving,  wish  to  be  approv'd, 

And  when  you  love,  wish  more  to  be  belov'd  ? 

Why  not,  in  cold  indifference  ever  clad, 

Alike  unmov'd,  regard  the  good  and  bad  ? 

Why  dost  thou  waste  my  youthful  bloom  with  care, 

And  sacrifice  myself,  that  I  might  share 

Distress  in  others  ?     Why  wilt  thou  adorn 

Their  days  with  roses,  and  leave  me  a  thorn?' 

But  here  I  saw  it  heave  a  heavy  sigh, 
And  thus  in  sweetest  sounds  it  did  reply  : 
'  Ah!  cease,  Eliza,  cease  thy  speech  unjust; 
Thy  heart  has  e'er  fulfill'd  its  sacred  trust, 
And  ever  will  its  tender  mansion  serve, 
Nor  can  it  from  thee  this  reproach  deserve  : 
Against  my  dictates  murm'ring  have  I  found, 
Which  thus  has  laid  me  bleeding  on  the  ground.'  " 


FROM    LONDON   TO    BATH.  7 

In  the  neighbourhood  of  Hammersmith  stands  also 
the  estate  of  W.  Hunter,  Esq. 

TURNHAM-GREEN,  (5  m.  1  f.)  Contiguous  to  this 
little  place  the  following  seats  are  to  be  met  with : — 

G.  E.  Griffith,  Esq.   Mrs.  Stephens,  Ware,  Esq. 

Neale,  Esq.  and  Mrs.  Wildman.     To  the  left, 

Sutton-Court,  Sidebottom,  Esq.  and  at  Little 

Sutton,    Mrs.    Pratt,    also   Grove-House,    Rev.   Mr. 

Lowth  ;  Fairlawn-House,  on  the  right, Thomson, 

Esq.  But,  the  most  prominent  mansion  stands  on 
the  left  of  Sutton,  Chiswick-House,  the  residence  of 
the  late  and  present  DUKE  OF  DEVONSHIRE.  The 
slightest  glance  of  this  house  cannot  but  awaken  the 
feelings  of  the  passenger  with  some  pleasing  recollec- 
tions concerning  two  of  its  dearest  inmates,  long 
since  consigned  to  that  u  bourne  from  whence  no 
traveller  returns."  And  Chiswick- House  will  long  be 
remembered,  not  only  for  its  political  meetings  under 
the  staunch  Whig  principles  and  influence  of  the 
Duke,  his  strong  and  steady  attachment  to  the  Con- 
stitution, and  his  amiability  of  character  through  life ; 
but  equally  renowned  as  the  Temple  of  the  Muses, 
the  abode  of  Wit,  and  the  circle  of  elegant  and  polite 
literature,  under  the  patronage  and  taste  of  the 
Duchess;  whom  NATURE  and  ART  had  united  in 
rendering  one  of  the  most  beautiful,  accomplished, 
and  superior  females  of  her  day.  It  is  thus  a  cele- 
brated bard  invoked  "  Old  Time,"  to  ward  off  his  dire 
effects  upon  her  lovely  person  :— 

Know,  should 'st  thou  bid  the  beauteous  Duchess  fade, 
Thou,  therefore,  must  thy  own  delights  invade  ; 
And  know,  'twill  be  a  long,  long  while, 
Before  thou  giv'st  her  equal  to  our  isle — 
Then  do  not  with  this  sweet  chef-d'oeuvre  part, 
But  keep,  to  shew  the  triumph  of  thy  art. 

The   traveller  is,   at  length,    awakened  from   this 
reverie,  by  the  long,  stony,  jolting  town  of 

BRENTFORD,  (7  m.  1  f.)  consisting  of  upwards  of 


tf  DESCRIPTIVE    ITINERARY 

300  houses,  irregularly  built,  and  containing  nearly 
2000  inhabitants.  It  is,  however,  a  place  of  but  little 
notoriety,  excepting  at  the  dissolution^  Parliament; 
yet  the  memorable  spirited  contests  of  those  "  men 
of  the  people,"  WILKES  and  SIR  FRANCIS  BURDETT, 
have  given  it  a  sort  of  political  importance  it  other- 
wise would  not  have  acquired.  On  the  left  of  BRENT- 
FORD is  seen  Kew-Bridge;  and  at  various  parts  of  the 
town,  the  new  palace,  built  under  the  immediate 
direction  of  His  MAJESTY,  (although  it  never  became 
the  residence  of  the  King,)  is  viewed  across  the  river 
with  a  pleasing  effect,  and  generally  considered  as  an 
ornament  to  Brentford.  The  propriety  of  erecting  a 
palace  in  such  a  situation  has  been  much  questioned, 
in  consequence  of  the  humidity  with  which  the  inte- 
rior has  to  contend  against;  but,  the  palace  at  Kew 
derived  most  of  its  importance  from  being  the  resi- 
dence of  the  QUEEN,  during  her  long-protracted  illness 
and  death,  which  occurred  on  Tuesday,  Nov.  17, 
1818,  at  twenty  minutes  after  one  o'clock.  The  re- 
mains of  her  Majesty  also  lay  in  state  at  Kew-Palace, 
previous  to  their  interment  in  the  royal  cemetry  at 
Windsor,  Dec.  2.  His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince 
Regent  attended  as  chief  mourner  upon  this  occasion. 
During  one  of  the  longest  reigns  which  ever  occurred 
in  this  or  any  other  country,  (throughout  a  period  of 
fifty-seven  years,  in  which  some  political  questions  of 
great  moment  were  agitated,  and  personally  connected 
with  her  Majesty's  situation,)  it  is  almost  impossible 
to  suppose,  that\the  character  of  the  QUEEN  could  be 
passed  over  without  some  inquiry  as  to  the  merits  of 
praise  or  censure.  The  charges  of  parsimony,  and 
even  exercising  an  undue  influence  in  state  affairs, 
have  been  levelled  at  her  late  Majesty,  resting,  it  ap- 
pears, merely  on  hearsay  and  conjecture :  it  is,  how- 
ever, admitted  by  all  parties,  that,  in  the  example  of 
domestic  morality  and  virtue  which  she  constantly 
held  forth  to  the  English  people,  she  merited  the 


FROM    LONDON   TO   BATH.  9 

highest  praise  that  a  nation  can  bestow.  It  would 
require  an  age  of  experience  and  an  unbounded  know- 
ledge of  mankind,  to  make  a  fair  calculation  of  the 
innumerable  benefits  which  such  an  influence  as  this 
must  have  had  on  society ;  and,  it  is  not  too  much  to 
say,  that  the  chastity  which  distinguishes  the  females 
of  this  country  above  all  others  in  the  world, — a  virtue 
without  which  political  liberty  is  a  mere  shadow, — 
was,  in  some  degree,  caused  by  the  salutary  lessons 
which  the  uniform  practice  of  the  court  had  inculcated. 
Fortunately  for  the  nation,  the  most  useful  virtues  of 
private  life  were  practised  in  a  quarter  where,  like  the 
fashions  in  dress,  it  was  impossible  they  should  not 
be  imitated ;  so  that  the  possession  of  those  virtues 
was  an  object  of  ambition.  The  noble  firmness  with 
which  the  Queen  repelled  from  her  presence  females 
of  even  the  highest  rank,  whose  characters  appeared 
in  a  suspicious  light,  must  command  the  admiration 
and  gratitude  of  all  persons,  who  can  appreciate  the 
benefits  resulting  from  public  and  private  morality. 
The  middle  classes  of  society  also  felt  an  elevation  of 
mind,  and  a  self-applauding  conciousness  of  their  own 
dignity,  when  they  perceived,  that  without  the  prac- 
tice of  those  moral  virtues  which  belonged  to  them- 
selves, neither  rank,  title,  or  wealth,  could  meet  with 
any  countenance  at  court. 

The  GrundJunction  Canal,  after  running  from  North- 
amptonshire through  a  variety  of  places,  for  the  dis- 
tance of  93$  miles,  at  length  unites  itself  with  the 
Thames  at  Brentford-Bridge.  On  passing  through  Brent- 
ford, on  the  left,  stands  Sion-House,  the  capacious  and 
elegant  mansion  of  the  Duke  of  Northumberland, 
fitted  up  and  finished  after  the  best  models  of  Greece 
and  Rome,  which,  for  taste  and  beauty,  is  scarcely  to 
be  paralleled  in  Europe ;  the  approach  to  which 
through  the  grounds  is  particularly  picturesque;  and 
the  lion  on  the  top  of  the  handsome  gates  of  the 


10  DESCRIPTIVE   ITINERARY 

lodge,  not  only  designates  this  prominent  ornament  of 
the  Northumberland  family,  but  renders  the  entrance 
truly  grand  and  imposing.  This  neighbourhood  has 
also  to  boast  of  more  houses  belonging  to  some  of  the 
most  ancient  of  our  nobility.  On  the  right,  Sion-Hill, 
the  Duke  of  Marlborough ;  opposite  to  Sion-Lodge,  is 
the  seat  of  Miss  Batten ;  and,  at  the  distance  of  a 
mile  is  Osterley-Park,  the  beautiful  residence  of  the 
Earl  of  Jersey,  formerly  belonging  to  Mr.  Child,  the 
most  opulent  banker  in  the  city,  but  which  was  left 
by  him  to  Lady  Sarah  Fane,  (who  married  the  above 
Earl,  and  daughter  to  the  Countess  of  Westmorland,) 
in  consequence  of  the  latter's  elopement  and  marriage 
with  the  Earl  of  that  name,  in  opposition  to  her  father, 
Mr.  Child.  This  circumstance,  which  once  so  much 
agitated  the  fashionable  world,  is  now  got  rid  of  in 
the  mind  of  the  traveller  by  his  arrival  at 

SMALLBERRY-GREEN,  (8m.  2  f.)  This  little 
village  becomes  important  to  the  inquisitive  mind  of  the 
passenger,  who  learns,  that  Spring-Grove,  on  the 
right,  is  the  seat  of  that  learned  antiquary  and  bota- 
nist, the  Right  Hon.  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  Bart.  The 
mildness  of  manners,  the  amiability  of  deportment, 
and  the  literary  converzationes  of  this  gentleman  to 
benefit  his  country,  and  improve  the  general  habits  of 
society,  have  not  been  able  te  preserve  him  from  the 
attacks  of  ridicule  and  satire  by  the  humourous  Capt. 
MORRIS  and  the  facetious  (though  not  always  correct 
as  to  facts)  PETER  PINDAR.  On  the  discovery  of 
Botany-Bay,  by  Capt.  Cook,  the  former  poet  thus 
mentions  Sir  Joseph,  in  one  of  his  political  songs, 
which  was  received  with  great  eclat  at  the  Sons  of 
Anacreon,  Beef-steak  Club,  &c.  &c. 

You  have  heard  of  Captain  Cook,  our  worthy  great  com- 
mander ! 
The  great  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  and  Doctor  Solander ; 


FROM    LONDON   TO   BATH.  11 

They  sail'd  round  the  world,  were  perplex'd  and  were  teas'd 

too, 
To  find  out  a  place  where  the  King  might  send  "  his  thieves" 

to! 

So  Britons  fill  up  bumpers,  rejoice  now  and  all  sing, 
What  "  a  glorious  set  of  thieves  "  we  shall  have  from  their 

offspring.  Bow,  wow. 

Thus    also  Peter  Pindar  satirizes  the   learned  Sir 
Joseph's  pursuits: — 

Sir  Joseph,  fav'rite  of  great  queens  and  kings, 
Whose  wisdom  weed  and  insect  hunter  sings ; 

And  ladies  fair  applaud,  with  smile  so  dimpling ; 
Went  forth  one  day,  amidst  the  laughing  fields, 
Where  nature  such  exhaustless  treasure  yields, 

A  simpling ! 

It  happen'd  on  the  self-same  morn  so  bright, 

The  nimble  pupils  of  Sir  Sampson  Wright,* 

A  simpling,  too,  for  plants,  called  thieves,  proceeded; 

Of  which  the  naiion's  field  should  oft  be  weeded, 

'  Sirs,  I'm  no  highwayman,'  exclaim' d  the  knight,— 

'  No — there,'  rejoin'd  the  runners,  '  you  are  right, 

A  footpad  only — Yes,  we  know  your  trade- 
Yes,  you're  a  pretty  babe  of  grace ; 
We  want  no  proofs,  old  codger,  but  your  face ; 

So  come  along  with  us,  old  blade.' 

Now  to  the  'squire  familiar  bow'd  the  knight, 
Who  knew  Sir  Joseph  at  first  sight, — 

What's  strongly  mark'd,  is  quickly  known  again — 
And  with  a  pause  that  awe  and  dread  commanded, 
The  thief- takers  severely  reprimanded, 

For  thus  mistaking  gentlemen. 

Then  on  their  knuckles  rais'd  their  hands  and  eyes, 
And  crav'd  Sir  Joseph's  pardon  for  belief, 

That  when  they  jurnp'd  upon  him  by  surprise, 
They  took  so  great  a  gemman  for  a  thief, 

Hoping  to  mind  th'  advice  of  godly  books, 
Fiz.  not  to  judge  of  people  by  their  looks. 

*  One  of  the  then  police-magistrates  at  Bow-Street-Office. 


12  DESCRIPTIVE   ITINERARY 

But  a  truce  to  PETER  and  his  muse,  as  the  coach 
is  arrived  at 

HOUNSLOW,  (9m.  3  f.)  a  town  of  little  note; 
and,  although  time  is  afforded  the  traveller  to  exercise 
his  mind  while  the  horses  are  changing,  and  "  coachy  " 
is  taking  his  little  whet,  yet  no  objects  present  them- 
selves worthy  of  his  immediate  attention.  But,  not- 
withstanding, there  are  several  good  seats  contiguous 
to  Hounslow  belonging  to  Mrs.  Fullerton;  Whitton- 
Place,  George  Gostling,  Esq.  Here  is  also  Whitton- 
Park,  so  justly  celebrated  for  its  fine  cedars  of  Leba- 
non; and  the  residences  also  of  Sir  Benjamin  Hob- 
house;  Samuel  Prime,  and  James  Campbell,  Esqrs. 
On  leaving  the  town,  on  the  left,  is  the  great 
road  to  the  Land's  End,  of  290  miles.  On  crossing 
the  Heath,  once  of  such  "  dread  import,"  (a  few  years 
since  either  by  day  or  night,)  and  so  very  fruitful  to 
the  pages  of  the  Newgate  Calendar,  from  its  numerous 
collectors,  (otherwise  highwaymen,)  all  the  palpitations 
of  the  heart,  shiverings,  and  cold  sweats,  which  for- 
merly operated  upon  the  delicate  feelings  of  the  female 
passengers,  under  the  apprehension  of  being  robbed 
every  instant,  and  the  anxieties  and  state  of  suspense 
experienced  by  the  more  courageous  male  travellers, 
"  whistling  aloud,  like  the  school-boy,  to  keep  their 
courage  up,"  are  now  completely  removed,  and 
Hounslow-Heath  has  become  almost  as  safe  as  riding 
through  St.  James's  Park.  This  change,  perhaps,  is 
not  owing  to  an  increase  of  horse  and  foot  patroles, 
exertions  of  the  police-officers,  or  well-armed  guards 
to  most  of  the  stage-coaches,  but  to  be  attributed  to 
the  change  which  has  taken  place  in  committing  de- 
predations upon  the  public,  with  less  hazard  to  the 
robber  for  his  personal  safety.  The  following  original 
anecdote  may  prove  acceptable,  concerning  one  of 
those  "  high  spirits "  of  the  school  of  crime,  a  noted 
highwayman  upon  the  above  Heath,  a  great  collector, 
and  a  perfect  Macheath  in  real  life,  surrounded  by 


FROM    LONDON   TO   BATH.  13 

doating  mistresses,  yet  ultimately  was  betrayed  or 
"  sold"  to  the  officers  of  justice  by  a  favourite 
dulcinea,  and,  at  length,  received  sentence  of  death, 
but  whose  punishment  was  commuted  for  transporta- 
tion for  life.  NED  HALLORAN,  possessing  principles 
that  would  have  reflected  credit  on  a  better  cause — 
acting  up  to  the  strictest  scale  of  honour  in  every 
private  transaction  of  his  life;  yet  even  his  conviction, 
he  asserted,  could  not  convince  his  mind,  that  he  had 
been  guilty  of  a  crime,  in  taking  from  those  persons 
who  had  plenty  of  property,  in  order  to  relieve  him- 
self who  had  none.  Such  was  the  character  of  this 
robber.  Upon  one  of  his  collecting  days  on  the  above 
Heath,  he  stopped  a  goldsmith  and  refiner,  a  man  of 
considerable  property  and  importance  in  the  City  of 
London,  and  took  from  him,  without  any  resistance, 
his  cash,  gold  watch,  chain,  and  seals,  and  also  his 
silver  knee  and  shoe-buckles,  and  very  politely  wished 
the  refiner  a  good  morning.  NED,  thinking  it  was  all 
right  and  safe,  after  a  small  circuitous  route  over  the 
Heath,  put  up  his  horse  at  an  inn  to  take  refreshment; 
his  repast  being  ended,  and  just  as  he  was  ready  to 
mount  his  horse,  the  refiner  rode  into  the  yard,  but 
did  not  recognize  him.  HALLORAN  left  the  inn  with- 
out the  slightest  agitation ;  and,  in  the  course  of  a  few 
days  afterwards,  strange  to  say,  but  strictly  true,  NED, 
in  his  own  person,  oifered  the  above  stolen  articles  to 
the  refiner  upon  his  counter;  when  the  latter  looked 
up  at  HALLORAN,  without  betraying  any  appearance  of 
recollection,  and  immediately  saw  the  man  who  had 
robbed  him  upon  Hounslow-Heath;  yet  the  refiner, 
with  the  utmost  coolness  and  business-like  manner, 
paid  him  the  worth  of  them,  and  HALLORAN  retired 
from  the  shop  in  safety.  It  is  thus  accounted  for. 
This  refiner,  it  seems,  was  what  the  thieves  term  a 
fence  ;*  and  NED  must  have  been  directed  to  his  shop 

*  A  receiver  of  stolen  goods. 


14  DESCRIPTIVE   ITINERARY 

by  some  of  his  own  fraternity ;  and,  therefore,  the 
refiner  pocketed  the  affront,  for  fear  if  any  noise  had 
been  made  upon  the  subject,  his  own  iniquitous  prac- 
tices might  have  been  discovered.  It  is  a  positive 
fact,  that  the  above  refiner,  in  a  few  years  after  this 
transaction,  put  a  period  to  his  existence,  to  avoid  the 
disgrace  of  a  public  trial  for  forging  the  Goldsmiths' 
Company's  mark,  to  pass  the  articles  he  sold  as  gold. 
The  countenances  of  both  the  thief  and  the  receiver, 
upon  recognizing  each  other,  and  yet  each,  with  the 
utmost  coolness,  keeping  the  secret,  would  have  been 
a  fine  subject  for  the  pencil  of  a  HOGARTH.  The 
above  is  one  among  the  numerous,  singular  circum- 
stances that  occur  in  London,  without  ever  obtaining 
publicity.  But  the  highwayman,  footpad,  and  house- 
breaker, are  now,  in  a  great  degree,  lost  sight  of  in 
the  passers  of  forged  bank-notes,  as  running  a  less 
risk  of  detection ;  and  the  facilities  of  obtaining 
these  notes  are  so  easy,  that  they  are  bought  and  sold 
with  as  much  regularity  as  any  articles  of  trade.  One 
decided  proof  of  the  vast  extent  of  this  species  of 
crime  is,  the  Solicitor  of  the  Bank  of  England  obtains 
,£20,000  per  annum  as  the  price  of  his  prosecutions. 
The  long  heath  is  now  passed,  and  the  traveller  finds 
himself  at 

CRANFORD-BRIDGE,  (12  m.  2  f.)  About  half 
a  mile  distant  from  this  bridge  stands  Cranford-Park, 
the  seat  of  the  Countess  (relict  of  the  late  Earl) 
Berkeley,  rendered  so  interestingly  conspicuous  in  the 
fashionable  world  upon  the  death  of  the  above  noble- 
man, in  consequence  of  the  interference  of  the  House 
of  Lords  to  protect  their  privileges  of  bestowing  the 
title  upon  the  legal  heir.  The  right  of  succession,  it 
should  seem,  operated  very  much  upon  the  paternal 
feelings  of  the  Earl  previous  to  his  demise ;  and,  not- 
withstanding the  heavy  forfeiture  of  estates  and  penal- 
ties laid  upon  any  one  of  the  family  by  his  will,  for- 
mally attested,  who  should  attempt  to  disturb  the 


FROM   LONDON   TO   BATH.  15 

right  of  liis  eldest  son  to  enjoy  the  title,  &c.  it  was, 
after  a  most  minute,  laborious,  and  voluminous,  inves- 
tigation, by  the  peers  of  the  realm,  (which  involved 
rather  an  unpleasant  expose  of  the  domestic  circum- 
stances of  this  noble  and  ancient  family,)  finally  deter- 
mined, that  the  youngest  son  (of  five)  was  the  truly 
legal  inheritor  to  the  title  and  Berkeley  estates.     It 
is,  however,  worthy  of  remark,  that,  upon  the  same 
evening   this    decision  of  the  House  of  Lords  was 
made  public,  Colonel  Berkeley  (the  hitherto  presumed 
heir)  received  this  change  in  his   fortune   with   the 
utmost   composure.     He  lost  no  time  in  calling  his 
numerous   retinue  together,  and   taking  his  youngest 
brother  by  the  hand,  addressed  them,  saying,  "  This 
is  Earl  Berkeley— -and  my  designation,  in  future,  only 
Colonel."    The  "  law"  it  is  true,  has  been  complied 
with  in  removing  the  title;  but,  it  appears,  that  the 
brotherly   affection    existing   between   the    sons,    the 
anxiety  to  pay  attention  to  the  will  of  their  deceased 
parent,  (whose  feelings  upon  so  delicate  a  question 
were  of  the  most  praiseworthy  and  laudable  descrip- 
tion, originating  from  the  real  impulse  of  nature,)  that 
the  "  property  "  has  not  been  disturbed. 

SIMPSON-GREEN,  (13m.  4f.)  Here  are  only 
a  few  straggling  houses  and  the  sign  of  the  Magpies ; 
but,  the  country  on  both  sides  of  the  traveller  is 
pleasant,  though  nothing  of  any  importance  is  to  be 
seen,  till  he  arrives  at 

LONGFORD,  (15  m.)  At  a  small  distance  on 
the  left  of  the  road  are  the  seats  of  Sir  Edwin 
Francis  Stanhope  and  Sir  John  Gibbons,  Barts.  and 
about  two  miles  on  the  right,  at  West  Drayton,  is  the 
residence  of  Fyshe  De  Burgh,  Esq.  The  old  road, 
that  runs  on  the  left,  makes  to  the  Thames ;  but  the 
new  one,  on  the  right,  goes  to  BUSHY-PARK.  The 
recollection  of  this  latter  place  is  not  particularly 
important  from  its  being  the  splendid  retreat  of  roy- 
alty, and  the  abode  of  the  Duke  of  Clarence;  but,  it 


16  DESCRIPTIVE   ITINERARY 

is  truly  conspicuous  in  being  once  the  residence  of  the 
late  generous,  amiable,  but  unfortunate,  Mrs.  JORDAN  ; 
and  cannot  fail  in  exciting  some  of  the  most  feeling 
sensations  in  the  mind  of  the  traveller,  at  the  vicissi- 
tudes of  h  r  interesting  career,  and  the  melancholy 
peiiod  of  existence  experienced  by  this  highly-gifted 
female. 

Praising  what  is  lost, 
Makes  the  remembrance  more  dear.         SHAKSPEARE. 

'Tis  past — and  to  a  foreign  grave  consign'd 

That  form,  that  face,   which  gave  so  much  delight, 

No  more  that  voice  will  charm  where  sweetness  join'd, 
Nor  THESPIAN  boast  a  gem  again  so  bright. 

For  she  had  power  to  charm  the  dullest  soul, 

On  ev'ry  action  rapt  attention  hung  ; 
Our  smiles,  our  tears,  alike  she  could  controul, 

For  eloquence  flow'd  matchless  from  her  tongue. 

In  CORA,  sweetly  did  she  play  her  part! 

No  word,  no  action,  was  with  her  at  strife, 
Her  feelings  flow'd  spontaneous  from  the  heart, 

The  anxious  mother  and  the  tender  wife. 

In  ANGELA  the  various  trails  portray'd— 
How  fine  the  innocence  and  firmness  join, 

The  duteous  daughter  and  the  love-sick  maid, 
She  did  in  turn,  most  beautifully,  combine. 

Her  talents  rose  in  PEGGY'S  playful  form — 

ROSALIND — VIOLA — and  PICKLE  too; 
Each  character  how  well  she  did  adorn, 

And  to  her  mem'ry  ev'ry  praise  is  due  ! 

She  that  was  once  to  ROYALTY  a  friend — 
Now  in  a  foreign  earth  she  rests  her  head  ; 

Her  on  whose  smiles  once  numbers  did  depend, 
Yet  no  companion  cheer'd  her  dying-bed  ! 

She  that  had  known  a  MOTHER'S  tender  name, 
In  her  last  moments  no  fond  child  was  near, 

From  strangers  she  did  those  attentions  claim, 
And  strangers  gave  the  tribute  of  a  tear  ! 


PROM    LONDON   TO    BATH.  17 

It  seems  the  tale  of  fiction  to  relate, 

This  once  great  Actress  liv'd  to  be  unknown, 

But  such,  alas !  was  found  her  wayward  fate, 
That  in  the  hour  of  death  all  friends  were  flown. 

Her  virtues  many — seek  not  her  faults  to  view, 

Whate'er  they  were  they're  buried  in  her  bier—- 
This humble  tribute  to  her  merit's  due, 

And  MEM'RY  still  will  give  her  name — a  tear! 

An  impenetrable  veil,  it  seems,  has  hitherto  obscu- 
red the  real  cause  of  the  separation  of  this  superior 
female  from  the  protection  of  the  Duke  of  Clarence, 
after  being  the  mother  of  ten  children,  and  many  of 
whom  having  been  introduced  to  the  Queen  and  other 
branches  of  the  Royal  Family :  but  suffice,  however 
afflicting  to  relate,  she  that  had  been  the  delight  of  the 
age  in  which  she  lived — justly  acknowledged  the  prop 
of  THALIA,  and  the  mirror  of  the  stage;  and  after 
participating  in  the  magnificence  and  splendour  attach- 
ed, as  it  were,  in  her  being  looked  upon  as  the  very 
idolatry  of  royalty,  (although,  in  truth,  principally 
supported  by  her  own  unrivalled  talents,)  was,  at 
length,  suffered  to  end  her  life  in  an  obscure  lodging  in 
Paris,  and  privately  interred  (scarcely  without  an  at- 
tendant) in  the  cemetry  of  St.  Cloud,  July  3,  1816. 
Two  spirited  and  feeling  Englishmen,  it  is  said,  upon 
hearing  of  the  circumstance,  and  out  of  grateful  remem- 
brance from  the  pleasure  they  had  derived  from  her 
merits  as  an  actress,  had  a  stone  erected  to  her 
memory,  with  the  following  inscription : — 

DOROTHEA  JORDAN,  quae  multos  annos,  Londini  inque 
«liis  Britanniae  urbibus,  scenam  egregie  ornavit,  lepore 
Comico,  vocis  suavitate,  puellarura  hilarium,  alternis-que 
sexus  moribus  habitu  imitandis,  null;  secunda :  ad  exercen- 
dam  eamxjua  tarn  feliciter  versata  est,  artem,  ultres  egendium 
adversas  sublivaret,  nemo  promptior.  E  vit£  exiit  3tio  nonas 
Julii  1816,  annos  nata  50.  Mementote  lugete. 

c 


18  DESCRIPTIVE    ITINERARY 

The  traveller,  who  seems  lost  in  a  complete  reverie, 
that  out  of  the  numerous  remembrances  in  Westmin- 
ster-Abbey, one  small  niche,  could  not  have  been 
found  to  recognize  the  loss  of  such  unbounded  talents 
and  real  worth,  if  not  to  prevent  from  total  oblivion 
one  of  the  greatest  ornaments  of  the  British  stage,  is, 
at  length,  awakened  from  the  thoughts  of  neglect  and 
ingratitude,  by  his  entering  into  Buckinghamshire,  and 
arriving  at 

COLNBROOK,  (16m.  6  f.)  On  the  right  is 
Ilitchings-Park,  belonging  to  the  Right  Hon.  John 
Sullivan ;  and,  on  the  left  stands  Horton-House. 

LANGLEY-BROOM,  (18  m.  2  f.)  On  the  left  of 
which  is  Ditton-Park,  the  seat  of  Lord  Montague ; 
and,  on  the  right,  that  of  Sir  R.  B.  Harvey,  known 
as  Langley-Park. 

TETSWORTH-WATER,  (19m.  2  f.)  is  of  no  in- 
terest, till  the  traveller  arrives  at 

SLOUGH,  (20  m.  4  f.)  This  place  is  rather  attrac- 
tive in  being  the  residence  of  the  great  astronomer, 
Sir  William  Herschell.  The  superior  talents  exhibited 
by  Sir  William,  and  the  discoveries  he  has  made  in 
the  grand  and  sublime  science  of  astronomy,  is  a  de- 
cided proof  what  perfection  may  be  attained  by  any 
individual,  supported  by  industry  and  application; 
and,  as  an  addition  to  his  character,  it  seems,  Sir 
William  Herschell  is  entirely  self-taught.  In  this 
neighbourhood  are  also  the  seats  of  H.  Daw,  . 
Edwards,  and  J.  Penn,  Esqrs.  and  Capt.  Vyse. 

SALT-HILL,  (21  m.  2  f.)  From  this  place,  on  the 
left,  is  a  fine  view  of  Windsor-Castle,  rendered 
more  interesting  and  attractive  in  being  the  resi- 
dence of  our  revered  and  venerable  monarch,  George 
III.  whose  length  of  reign  is  without  parallel;  and, 
at  the  period  of  writing  this  paragraph,  (November 
the  10th,  1818),  it  is  worthy  of  remark,  he  has  been 
King  of  England  upwards  of  fifty-eight  years  —  the 
queen  in  existence— twelve  sons  and  daughters  living, 


FROM    LONDON   TO   BATH.  19 

and  the  youngest  child  of  their  majesties  more  than 
forty  years  of  age.  In  his  retreat  from  the  public  eye, 
it  may  be  truly  observed, 

Yes,  we  have  lost  a  father  ! 

The  greatest  blessing  heaven  bestows  on  mortals, 
And,  seldom  found  amidst  these  wilds  of  time, 
A  good,  a  worthy  King  ! 

Here  is  also  a  fine  prospect  of  Eton-College.  Con- 
tiguous to  Slough  and  Salt- Hill  are  numerous  resi- 
dences, among  which  will  be  found  those  of  the 
Marchioness  of  Thomond;  Cranbourn-Lodge,  late 

Nash,  Esq.  Clewer-Spire ;  Sophia-Farm,  — — 

Dawson,  Esq.  and  the  Earl  of  Harcourt's,  at  St. 
Leonard's  Hill.  Also  Farnham  Royal  Church;  Brit- 
well-Honse,  Hon.  George  Irby;  a  view  of  Burnham 
church  and  village;  Iluntercombe,  J.  T.  Atkyns,  Esq. 
the  Willows,  late  H.  T.  Ward,  Esq.  and  Dropmoro- 
Hill,  the  seat  of  that  distinguished  and  profound 
statesman,  Lord  Grenville. 

MAIDENHEAD-BRIDGE,  (25  in.  <2  f.)  is  a  light 
and  elegant  erection ;  and,  the  exterior  of  the  inns 
have  an  imposing  appearance,  from  the  way  in  which 
they  are  decorated  with  flowers.  This  part  of  the 
country  should  seem  very  attractive  to  the  nobility 
and  gentry,  from  the  various  seats  with  which  it  is 
surrounded.  On  the  right,  at  Taplow,  is  Lord  Rivers- 
dale,  P.  Grenfell,  Esq.  and  Lady  Courtenay.  On  the 
hill,  the  Countess  of  Orkney;  Taplow-Lodge  and 
Monkey-Island,  belonging  to  P.-C.  Bruce,  Esq.  near 

to  which  are,  Water  Oakley,  Harford,  Esq. 

Filbert,  C.  Fuller,  Esq.  The  Retreat,  late  Lady 
Bowyer ;  and  one  mile,  on  the  right,  the  beautiful 
woods  of  the  Countess  of  Orkney  are  to  be  seen. 
Also  Hedsor,  Lord  Boston ;  on  the  left,  at  some  dis- 
tance, is  Dorney-Court,  Sir  C.  H.  Palmer,  Bart. 
Braywick-Lodge,  Sir  J.  W.  Waller,  Bart. ;  and  Can- 
non-Hill, C.  S.  Murray,  Esq.  In  the  neighbourhood 

c  2 


20  DE:>CtiJPTIVE   ITINERARY 

of  the  above,  are  the  residences  of  B.  Witts,  Esq. 
Lady  Pocock,  and  Sir  William  Herne. 

MAIDENHEAD,  (26  m.)  a  small  corporate  town, 
containing  167  houses,  and  about  800  inhabitants, 
near  to  which  are  the  following  seats:  on  the  left 

is  Ives-House,  belonging  to Wilson,  Esq.  and, 

on  the  right,  Hall-Place,  Sir  W.  East,  Bart. ;  and 
Bisham-Abbey,  George  Vansittart,  Esq. 

MAIDENHEAD-THICKET,  (28m.)  The  road 
about  this  place  is  interesting,  and  well  sprinkled  with 
delightful  residences.  On  the  left  is  Heywood- Lodge, 
— — —  Sawyer,  Esq.  and  the  spire  of  Shottesbrook- 
Church  is  to  be  seen,  which  enlivens  the  prospect. 
Here  are  also  the  seats  of  A.  Vansittart,  Esq.  Pinke 
Lee,  Esq.  Woolley-Hall,  late  Rev.  Mr.  Palmer,  and 
Stubbins,  belonging  to  Lady  Dorchester. 

KILN-GREEN,  (31m.)  On  the  right  is  the 
residence  of  Henry  Fonnereau,  Esq.  and,  on  the  left, 
Scarlet,  Lee  Perrott,  Esq. 

HARE-HATCH,  (32m.)  The  traveller  would 
scarcely  ask  the  name  of  these  little  places,  were  it 
not  for  the  seats  which  are  contiguous  to  them.  On 
the  right  is  Bear-Place,  Sir  Morris  Ximenes,  and 

Dalton,  Esq.  and,  on  the  left,  are  the 

residences  of  J.  Montagu,  Esq.  and  Ruscombe-House, 
Blake,  Esq. 

TWYFORD,  (33  m.  6  f.)  About  a  mile  distant  on 
the  right  you  view  Shiplake-Hill,  the  seat  of  Mrs. 
Newell ;  and  on  the  left,  Stanlake,  belonging  to  Sir 
N.  Dukenfield,  Bart.  The  road  also,  for  five  miles,  is 
by  no  means  uninteresting,  and  among  the  following 
retreats  from  the  busy  world,  is  found  the  residence 
of  that  learned  civilian,  the  Right  Hon.  Sir  William 
Scott,  brother  to  the  Lord  Chancellor.  Both  of  these 
gentlemen,  from  their  splendid  talents  and  industry, 
have  risen  to  the  very  high  offices  they  fill  in  the 
government,  and  may  be  said  to  have  been  the  only 
architects  of  their  great  fortunes  and  well-deserved 


PROM    LONDON    TO   BATH.  21 

tame.  Here  is  also  Woodley- Lodge,  belonging  to  J. 
Wheeble,  Esq.;  Sunning,  R.  Palmer,  Esq.;  and 
Cavesham-House,  the  property  of  Major  Marsack. 

READING,  (38  m.  7  f.)  is  a  corporate  town  of 
considerable  interest  and  extent.  It  contains  numerous 
excellent  buildings,  some  good  streets,  several  churches, 
and  a  theatre.  The  assizes  are  also  held  here.  The 
inhabitants  are  calculated  at  about  11,000,  and  the 
number  of  the  houses  between  2  and  3,000.  A  great 
deal  of  business  is  carried  on  in  Reading.  About  half 
a  mile  on  the  left  stands  Coley-Park,  thereat  of  Berke- 
ley Monck,  Esq.;  and,  further  on  the  right,  is  Pro- 
spect-Hill, J.  Liebemod,  Esq. 

CALCOT-GREEN,  (41  m.  4  f.)  on  the  right  of 
which  is  Calcot-Park,  the  seat  of  J.  Blagrave,  Esq. ; 
and  at  a  small  distance  is  Tyler's  Parsonage,  the  resi- 
dence of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Routh. 

THEAL,  (43  m.  5  f.)  On  the  left  hand  is  Sulhamp- 
stead,  the  seat  of  William  Thoytes,  Esq.  and  Engle- 
field-House,  about  a  mile  on  the  right,  belonging  to 
Richard  Benyon,  Esq. ;  and  further  on  is  Beenham- 
house,  the  property  of  the  Rev.  J.  Bostock. 

WOOLHAMPTON,  (49  m.  1  f.)  contiguous  to  this 
place  are  the  following  seats :  on  the  left  is  Padworth- 
house,  H.  Clark,  Esq.;  also  Aldermaston-house  and 
park,  W.  Congreve,  Esq.;  and  Wing-house,  late  W. 
Morant,  Esq. 

THATCHAM,  (52  m.  6  f.)  Almost  a  solitary  pub- 
lic house,  the  King's  Head,  merely  to  refresh  the 
waggoner,  forms  the  principal  feature  of  this  place. 

SPEENHAMLAND,  (55  m.  6f.)  On  the  right  of 
which  is  Shaw-Place,  the  seat  of  Sir  Joseph  Andrews, 
Bart.  Immediately  adjoining  Speenhamland  is 

NEWBURY,  (55  m.  7  f.)  a  corporate  town. — 
The  buildings  are  old  and  irregular,  and  it  contains  no 
feature  of  any  particular  interest.  Its  inhabitants  are 
estimated  at  5000;  but  the  houses  do  not  exceed 
1100.  NEWBURY  is  considered  about  the  half-way 


22  DESCRIPTIVE    ITINERARY 

to  BATH  ;  and  some  of  the  coaches  make  a  short  stay 
here  to  dine ;  indeed  the  time  allowed  for  this  neces- 
sary refreshment  is  so  short,  that  the  traveller  has 
scarcely  swallozccd  a  few  mouthfuls,  when  he  is  inter- 
rupted by  the  coachman  that  "  all  is  ready,1'  and  he 
must  either  go  without  his  belly-full,  or  stand  a  chance 
of  choking  himself  by  bolting  the  remainder  of  his 
food,  if  he  means  to  make  any  thing  like  a  dinner,  in 
order  to  accommodate  the  coachman.  This  may  be 
deemed  one  of  the  "  miseries  of  travelling ,-"  and  it 
should  almost  seem  that  coachy  has  a  secret  under- 
standing with  "  mine  host"  to  turn  these  things  to 
good  account.  This  is  one  of  the  grievances  which 
travellers  in  general  ought  to  resist :  and  the  proprie- 
tors of  stage-coaches  should  be  compelled  to  make  a 
public  statement  in  their  bills  that  they  allow  a  suffi- 
cient reasonable  time  for  passengers  to  enjoy  a  com- 
fortable meal  upon  the  road. 

SPEEN  (56  m.  6  f.)  is  surrounded  both  on  the 
right  and  left  with  a  variety  of  seats,  belonging  to  the 
following  ladies :  Mrs.  Wasey ;  Mrs.  Craven ;  Miss 
Hulberts ;  and  Mrs.  S.  Quintins ;  Donnington,  or 
Chaucer's  Grove,  belonging  to  John  Bebb,  Esq.  and 
Donnington  Castle-House,  Col.  Stead.  Also  the  resi- 
dences of  F.  C.  Parry,  Esq.  and  the  Rev.  G.  Wyld: 
but  the  most  prominent  and  attractive  to  the  mind  of 
the  traveller  is  Goldwall-IIall,  the  seat  of  George 
Canning,  Esq. 

BENHAM-PARK,  (57  m.  5  f.)  the  seat  of  An- 
thony Bacon,  Esq.  and  at  the  end  of  which  is  Hem- 
stead-Lodge,  belonging  to  the  Earl  of  Craven.  This 
nobleman  elevated  to  the  rank  of  his  countess,  Miss- 
Brunton,  belonging  to  Covent-Garden-Theatre,  a  lady 
of  great  personal  beauty  and  attractions,  and  possess- 
ing considerable  theatrical  talents.  About  three  miles 
on  the  right  is  Welford-Park,  belonging  to  the  Rev. 
John  Robinson. 

HALFWAY-HOUSE,  (59   m.    5  f.)    within   one 


FROM    LONDON    TO   BATH.  23 

mile  and  a  half  of  this  place,  on  the  left,  is  Barton- 
Court,  the  seat  of  C.  Dundas,   Esq.  and  at  a  little 

distance   is  Wallingtons,   Mackaness,   Esq.  ; 

and  Inglewood-House,  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Shaw. 

HUNGERFORD  (64  m.  1  f.)  has  to  boast  of  one 
good  broad  street,  a  capacious  market-house,  a  neat 
church,  and  some  excellent  inns.  It  is,  however,  a 
small  town,  containing  not  more  than  400  houses; 
and  whose  inhabitants  do  not  exceed  2000  souls. 
Most  of  the  stage-coaches  change  horses  at  Hunger- 
ford;  and,  if  the  traveller  should  prove  thirsty,  the 
"  homc-brcin-d"  of  thi*>  place  is  really  excellent; 
and  its  character  for  soundness  of  quality,  pleasant- 
ness of  taste,  and  as  good  as  was  "  e'er  tipt  o'er  the 
tongue,"  has  long  been  established  for  many  miles 
round  the  country.  Numerous  gentlemen's  seats  are 
also  contiguous  to  this  town.  Within  one  mile,  on 
the  left,  is  Ilungerford-Park,  the  residence  of  John 
Willis,  Esq.;  and,  on  the  right,  at  Deuford,  W.  Hal- 
let,  Esq.  Near  the  bridge  is  Chilton-Lodge,  John 
Pearce,  Esq.;  Littlecott-Park,  Gen.  Leyborne  Pop- 
ham  ;  a  newly-erected  fine  mansion,  C.  Mallett,  Esq. 
and  Standon-Park,  S.  Bevan,  Esq.  A  military  depot 
has  been  established  in  this  neighbourhood.  But  the 
most  important  circumstance  connected  with  Hunger- 
ford  is  Ramsbury- Manor- House,  belonging  to  Sir 
Francis  Burdett,  Bart,  one  of  the  most  distinguished 
public  characters  of  England,  and  the  avowed  friend 
of  liberty,  the  constitution,  and  the  oppressed  subject. 
His  parliamentary  life  abounds  with  interest.  Three 
times  returned  for  Westminster  in  the  true  purity  of 
election;  but  yet  he  has  numerous  opponents,  who 
hold  his  principles  as  too  violent. 

He  who  contends  for  freedom 
Can  ne'er  be  justly  deem'd  his  sov 'reign's  foe  ; 
No,  'tis  the  wretch  that  tempts  him  to  subvert  it, 
The  soothing  slave,  the  traitor  in  the  bosom, 
Who  best  deserves  that  name  ;  he  is  a  worm 
That  cats  out  all  the  happiness  of  kingdoms. 


24  DESCRIPTIVE   ITINERARY 

FROXFIELD,  (66  m.  7  f.)  a  small  place,  consisting 
only  of  a  few  straggling  houses,  but  nevertheless  en- 
titled to  some  import,  from  its  range  of  nice  alms- 
houses,  founded  by  the  Duchess  of  Somerset,  for  the 
widows  of  clergymen  ;  and,  about  four  miles  from  the 
main  road,  is  Tottenham-Park,  belonging  to  the  Earl 
of  Aylesbury. 

MARLBOROUGH-FOREST,  (71  m.  1  f.)  The 
road  here  is  delightfully  picturesque  for  two  or  three 
miles,  and  the  fine  clusters  of  trees  in  this  forest  rise 
proudly  to  the  eye  of  the  traveller.  On  the  left  is 
Severnake-Lodge,  Earl  of  Aylesbury. 

MARLBOROUGH,  (  74  m.  1  f .  )  a  respectable 
corporate  town,  containing  nearly  500  houses,  and 
about  3000  inhabitants.  On  the  left,  through  the 
town,  is  seen  a  large  mansion,  formerly  the  residence 
of  the  Duke  of  Somerset,  but  now  metamorphosed 
into  the  Castle  Inn :  and,  at  no  great  distance  from 
which,  is  the  figure  of  a  white  horse,  cut  remarkably 
well  out  of  the  grass,  which  has  a  good  effect,  whose 
symmetry,  taking  its  dimensions  into  the  scale  of 
merit,  is  far  above  mediocrity ;  but  it  sustains  a  con- 
siderable drawback,  when  it  is  found  to  be  a  mere 
copy  of  the  original  at  Cherrill,  more  of  which  will 
be  mentioned  hereafter:  it  has  however  a  handsomer 
neck.  Within  a  mile  and  a  half  from  Marlborough, 
on  the  right,  is  Rockley-House,  the  Hon.  Genlt. 
John. 

M  ANTON,  (75  in.  4  f.)  Of  no  interest  whatever 
to  the  inquisitive  traveller. 

FIFIELD,  (76  in.  6  f.)  Of  the  same  description. 

OVERTON,  (77  m.  7  f.)  On  the  left  of  tins 
place,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  is  Lockridge- 
House,  the  residence  of  J.  Benton,  Esq.  and  Kennet- 
Hall,  belonging  to Matthews,  Esq. 

WEST  RENNET,  (79  m.  2  f.)  The  White  Hart 
here,  which  stands  almost  alone,  excepting  a  straggling 
farm-house  or  two,  is  famed  for  selling  "  a  cup  ol 
good  stingo." 


FROM    LONDON   TO    BATH.  25 

Here  the  poor  waggoner,  who  (broil'd  with  heat 
And  chok'd  with  dust)  seeking  the  cool  retreat 
Of  tempting  pot-house,  bord'ring  on  the  road 
To  slake  his  thirst  with  nut-brown  ale  so  good. 

It  is  the  crack  of  the  beverage  in  this  part  of  the 
country :  indeed  it  is  in  such  high  repute,  that  the 
farmers  and  coachmen  along  the  road  would  think  it 
a  positive  libel  upon  their  want  of  taste  to  pass  by  the 
White  Hart,  at  West  Rennet,  without  drinking  the 
health  of  the  "  old  hostess,"  who  has  long  had  the 
merit  of  producing  this  wholesome  liquid.  It  is  also- 
distinguished  for  a  remarkable  barrow,  about  half  a 
mile  distant  on  the  right  of  Silbury-Hill ;  a  little  fur- 
ther is  to  be  seen,  at  Averbury,  the  antique  and  archi- 
tectural ruins  of  a  large  Druid's  te  i:ple.  If  the  tra- 
veller could  alight  to  view  this  ruin,  it  would  amply 
repay  him  for  his  curiosity.  Averbury-House  is  the 
residence  of •  Jones,  Esq. 

SILBURY-HILL,  (80  m.)  This  is  u  fine  open 
part  of  the  country,  and  nothing  of  cultivation  is 
neglected. 

BECKHAMPTON-INN,  (80  m.  C  f.)  only  con- 
spicuous as  a  place  of  refreshment,  and  its  delightful 
ride  across  the  downs  to 

CHERRILL,  (83  m.  7  f.)  This  place  is  a  great 
object  of  attraction  to  the  traveller,  from  the  large 
White  Horse  cut  out  of  the  turf,  upon  a  hill  of  chalky 
substance,  and  viewed  as  a  distinguished  land-mark. 
The  above  horse  is  remarkably  well  executed,  and  its 
colossal  size  may  be  seen  with  the  greatest  ease  at  the 
distance  of  several  miles.  The  tail,  it  is  said,  mea- 
sures fifteen  yards;  and  from  its  extremity  to  the 
head,  it  must  be  an  expert  flinger  of  a  stone  to  reach 
it.  When  close  to  the  figure,  it  has  nothing  like  the 
appearance  of  a  horse.  It  occasions  considerable  bet- 
ting amongst  the  passengers  in  the  different  stage-coaches 
who  daily  pass  by  it.  The  original  idea,  and  merit  of 
cutting  it  otUt  belonged  to  one  CHRISTOPHER  ALSOP, 


26  DESCRIPTIVE   ITINERARY 

a  surgeon,  at  Calne;  and,  added  to  his  well- 
earned  reputation  as  a  medical  man,  he  was  a  most 
ingenious  mechanic.  The  memory  of  this  person  is 
much  revered  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Calne,  from 
his  benevolent  disposition  and  Christian-like  traits, 
which  adorned  his  character.  Mr.  ALSOP  came  to 
Calne  a  journeyman  apothecary,  but,  in  the  course  of 
a  few  short  years,  he  realized  a  most  ample  fortune. 
He  was  a  man  of  much  literary  taste ;  complete  mas- 
ter of  mechanics;  and  a  superior  maker  of  telescopes. 
He  never  refused  the  call  of  the  unfortunate  in  the 
hour  of  distress  and  trouble ;  and  was  known,  for  many 
years  after  he  had  retired  from  business,  to  go  many 
miles  to  attend  the  poor  at  his  own  expense.  His 
death  was  a  great  loss  to  the  inhabitants  of  Calne 
and  neighbourhood.  Whether  GEORGE  COLMAN,  in 
his  researches  after  real  characters,  had  in  his  eye 
Mr.  ALSOP,  when  he  penned  the  following  lines,  we 
cannot  ascertain,  but  they  may  be  considered  to  apply 
to  him : — 

His  fame  full  six  miles  round  the  country  ran ; 

In  short,  in  reputation  he  was  solus ; 
All  the  old  women  call'd  him  a  fine  man, 

His  name  was  BOLUS. 

Benjamin  Bolus,  though  in  trade, 
Which  oftentimes  will  genius  fetter, 

Read  works  of  learning,  it  is  said, 
And  cultivated  the  Belles  Lettres. 

On  the  completion  of  the  above  horse,  it  was  cele- 
brated on  the  spot  by  a  sort  of  fair,  which  was  kept 
up  on  a  certain  day  in  every  year;  but  latterly  it  has 
been  given  up.     About  half  a  mile  further,  on  the 
right  from  the  road,  is  Compton-Bassett-House,  the 
seat  of  Mrs.  Heneage ;  and,  on  the  left,  is  Blackland- 
House,  the  residence  of  John  Merewether,  Esq. 
QUEMERFORD-BRIDGE(86m.  1  f.)  leads  on  to 
CALNE,    (87  m.)   which   possesses   an   excellent 


FROM    LONDON    TO   BATH.  27 

market-house,  a  large  inn,  and  one  tolerable  street. 
It  contains  about  800  houses ;  and  its  inhabitants  at 
near  4000.  On  the  left  is  the  Castle-House,  the 
residence  of  Mrs.  Bendry.  It  is  curious  to  ob- 
serve numerous  little  children,  without  shoes  or  stock- 
ings, about  here  upon  the  road,  running  alongside 
the  coach  like  race-horses,  and  keeping  it  up  for  a 
considerable  distance,  in  hopes  to  get  a  tew  halfpence 
from  the  passengers, — the  girls,  keeping  tight  hold  of 
their  petticoats,  and  tumbling  over  head  and  heels, 
with  the  greatest  ease  and  agility.  These  children 
have  so  much  daily  practice  in  this  sort  of  exercise, 
that  few,  if  any,  of  the  celebrated  pedestrians  could 
beat  them  for  a  short  distance.  Immediately  on  quit- 
ting the  coach,  they  generally  lay  themselves  down  in 
the  road,  till  another  stage  appears  in  sight,  and  so 
on  till  the  end  of  the  day. 

STUDLEY,  (89  m.  6  f.)  Through  this  place,  on 
the  left,  is  Bo  wood,  the  magnificent  residence 
of  the  Marquis  of  Lansdowne.  Considerable  taste 
and  elegance  are  to  be  discovered  in  these  venerable 
shades,  formed  under  the  immediate  direction  of  the 
first  Marquis.  The  mansion  is  also  distinguished  for 
its  union  of  grandeur  and  simplicity.  If  the  paint- 
ings have  not  to  boast  of  being  a  collection  of  the 
first  ancient  masters, — the  library  is  composed  of  the 
choicest  and  most  valuable  articles  of  literature.  The 
present  Marquis  is  also  prominent  for  his  attention  to 
the  polite  arts.  The  political  career  of  the  above 
young  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer,  although  short, 
will  never  be  forgotten  by  the  lovers  of  humanity,  in 
being  connected  with  an  administration,  that  cancel- 
led all  its  errors,  by  an  abolition  of  that  disgraceful 
traffic,  denominated  the  SLAVE  TRADE;  and  also,  in 
making  this  traffic  felony  by  law?  and  punished  as  a 
crime  against  the  welfare  and  character  of  society  in 
general. 

DERRY-HILL,  (90  m.  1  f.)     The   country  about 


28  DESCRIPTIVE    ITINERARY 

here  is  not  only  pleasant  and  picturesque,  but  well 
.cultivated. 

CHIPPENHAM  (92  m.  6  f.)  is  a  corporate  town, 
containing  two  or  three  capacious  and  good  inns, 
about  800  houses,  of  antique  look;  and  the  inhabi- 
tants are  estimated  at  between  3  and  4000  persons. 
The  passenger  passes  through  it  without  any  particular 
interest.  On  the  left,  at  a  small  distance  from 
the  town,  is  Ivy-House,  the  residence  of  Robert 
Humphreys,  Esq.  For  five  miles  the  road  produces 
very  few  objects  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  tra- 
veller, excepting  the  safety  of  his  seat,  from  the  in- 
cessant jolting,  in  fact,  almost  jumping,  the  stage 
experiences  upon  this  stony  road,  till  he  arrives  at  the 
small  town  of 

PICKWICK,  (97  in.)  A  degree  of  importance  is 
attached  to  this  small  place,  from  its  contiguity  to 
Corsham-House,  (J  m.)  the  celebrated  seat  of  Paul 
Cobb  Methuen,  Esq.  whose  superb  collection  of 
paintings  are  the  theme  and  admiration  of  every 
visitor;  but  more  of  this  hereafter,  in  its  proper  place. 
On  the  right  of  Pickwick  stands  Hartham-Park, 
the  seat  of Jay,  Esq.  and  Pickwick-Lodge,  be- 
longing to  Caleb  Dickenson,  Esq.  The  prospects 
along  the  road  delightfully  increase,  till  the  passenger 
arrives  at 

BOX,  (99  m.  6  f.)  This  is  altogether  a  pretty  inte- 
resting village,  something  after  the  descriptive  style  of 
GOLDSMITH: 

Sweet  Auburn,  loveliest  village  of  the  plain, 

Where  health  and  plenty  cheer'd  the  labouring  swain. 

The  cleanness  of  the  houses,  which  are  all  made  of 
free  (or  Bath)  stone;  a  neat  little  church,  built  of  the 
same  materials,  adds  to  the  interest  of  the  scene — 
the  useful  farrier's  shed — the  stocks  for  the  unruly, 
erected  more  in  terrorem,  perhaps,  than  of  any  mate- 
rial service  —  the  appearance  of  two  small  inns, 


FROM    LONDON   TO   BATH.  29 

of  an  inviting  character — in  short,  Box  is  truly  com- 
pact, and  may  be  viewed  as  no  bad  prelude  to  the 
"  great  Bath."  About  a  mile  on  the  right  is  Shock- 
erwick,  the  seat  of  John  Wiltshire,  Esq.  The  mind 
of  the  traveller  is  tolerably  well  occupied  till  he  arrives 
at 

BATH-EASTON,  (103  m.  2  f.)  This  is  a  small 
town,  of  one  tolerable  street  in  length,  and  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  houses  is  very  neat  and  clean.  In 
this  neighbourhood  is  Bailbrook- Lodge,  a  recent  esta- 
blishment formed  for  the  reception  of  decayed  ladies 
of  respectability  and  high  rank,  under  the  patronage  and 
sanction  of  her  late  Majesty.  Also  Bath-easton- Villa, 
once  the  residence  of  Sir  John  Millar.  This  seat  was 
distinguished  for  the  weekly  parties  of  his  lady,  famed 
for  their  poetic  productions.  It  is  now  the  residence 
of  Dr.  Broadbelt.  On  the  left  is  Hampton-House, 
the  seat  of  G.  Allen,  Esq.  and  Lambridge-House,  the 
residence  of  Dr.  Haygarth.  Several  other  gentlemen's 
seats  are  contiguous  to  Bath-easton,  and  the  pro- 
spects and  variety  of  subjects  along  the  road  inte- 
rest the  traveller,  till  he  descends  the  hill  adjoining 
to  Walcot. 


DESCRIPTIVE   ITINERARY 

ENTRANCE  TO 

BATH 

FROM  THE  LONDON  ROAD. 


From  Lambridge,  through  Grosvenor- Place — Beaufort- 
Buildings —  Worcester-  Terrace — Percy -Place — 
Kensington-Place — (KENSINGTON-CHAPEL) — Pic- 
cadilly —  Lower  East  Hayes  —  Hanover-  Place, 
Brunswick  -  Street —  York- Place  —  Iron-Home, 
Dover,  and  Bedford-Streets — Albemarle-Buildings 
—Myrtle-Place — Long- Acre —  Walcot  Buildings, 
Terrace,  andParade — (WALCOT-Cn  APEL) — Nelson 
and  Margaret  Places  —  London-Street — Somerset- 
Street —  Vineyards — Paragon-Buildings — Bladud  - 
Buildings —  York- Build  ings — to  the  YORK-HOTEL. 

To  the  most  indifferent  traveller,  who  scarcely 
"  reads  as  he  runs>;"  or,  perhaps,  labouring  under 
the  mental  debility  of  ennui — THE  ENTRANCE 
TO  BATH  cannot  fail  in  removing  this  frigid  apathy, 
and  awaken  his  feelings  to  the  numerous  interesting 
objects  which,  in  rapid  succession,  present  themselves 
to  his  notice:  but,  to  the  admirers  of  NATURE  and 
ART,  and  particularly  to  the  lovers  of  taste  and  ele- 
gance, 

This  .ancient  city, 

How  wanton  sits  she,  amidst  Nature's  smiles ! 
Nor  from  her  highest  turret  has  to  view 
But  golden  landscapes  and  luxuriant  scenes : 

it  rises  with  peculiar  grandeur ;  also,  its  well  distri- 
buted buildings,  and  amphitheatric  arrangement  of 
crescents,  splendid  seats,  &c.  surrounded  by  the  lofty 
hills  of  Claverton-Down  on  the  left,  ornamented  with 
the  look-out  of  the  exterior  of  an  antique  castle, 
erected  merely  to  connect  the  extensive  opening, 


FROM    LONDON   TO   BATH.  31 

which  stretches  out  with  a  view  of  Prior-Park  and  its 
superb  mansion ;  while,  on  the  right,  the  prospect  is 
equally  imposing, — the  vast  ascent  of  Lansdowne-Hill, 
Mount-Beacon,  &c.  &c.  with  the  addition  of  some 
delightful  and  harmonizing  scenery,  produce  a  com- 
bination and  an  effect,  that  makes  the  tout  ensemble 
operate  upon  the  mind  of  the  stranger,  like  a  well- 
written  preface  to  an  important  and  superior  work, 
stimulating  him  eagerly  to  peruse  every  page  of  it,  till 
he  becomes  completely  master  of  the  subject.  The 
appearance  of  BATH  is  altogether  nouvelle,  possess- 
ing a  rank  exclusively  its  own,  and  from  its  uniformity 
and  classic  architecture,  has  to  boast  of  a  decided 
Roman  character.  NATURE,  it  should  seem,  has  been 
truly  liberal  to  this  fertile  valley ;  and  industry  and 
talents,  for  nearly  the  last  century,  have  scarcely  suf- 
fered a  moment  to  elapse,  without  studying  to  grace 
it  with  the  advantages  of  ART,  to  make  the  above  gift 
still  more  attractive.  It  is  thus  described  by  a  modern 
artist: — "  Viewed  under  the  influence  of  a  meridian 
sun,  and  through  the  medium  of  an  unclouded  atmo- 
sphere, BATH  presents  to  the  sight  and  imagination 
every  thing  that  is  united  with  the  idea  of  perfect 
beauty ;  and  so  strong  is  the  impression  it  makes  upon 
the  mind  of  almost  all  people  at  first  sight,  that  the 
prepossession  is  converted  into  opinion;  and  when 
enveloped  in  those  exhalations  which  arise  from  its 
salubrious  springs,  it  is  still  called  to  mind  in  all  its 
loveliness  and  attractions."* 

On  descending  the  hill  to  Walcot,  the  traveller  is 
actively  engaged  with  the  pleasing  appearance  which 
the  suburbs  of  this  fashionable  city  offer  to  his 
attention.  Immediately  upon  his  right  is  the  new 
road,  that  turns  off  to  Oxford  and  Cheltenham.  In 
proceeding  onwards,  a  neat  row  of  houses,  called 
Lambridge,  is  to  be  seen,  with  long  gardens,  tastefully 

*  Ibbetson. 


32  DESCRIPTIVE   ITINERARY 

laid  out  in  front  of  them.     A  few  trees  and  hedges, 
also,     intersect    in    various     places      the      different 
houses,  giving  this  part  of  it  the  air  of  an  elegant 
village.      Grosvenor-Place,  on  the  left  of  the    road, 
has    a   very  magnificent    appearance.      It  is   a  long 
range  of  high   mansions,  built  upon  a  lofty  terrace, 
enclosed  with  iron  rails,  with   trees  planted  in    the 
gravel-walk.     In  the  centre  of  the  place  is  a  most  ca- 
pacious building,    with   seven  Ionic  pillars  in  front, 
richly  ornamented,  intended  for  an  inn;   but  which 
operates  as  a  sort  of  drawback,   from  this  hotel  and 
part  of  the  place  being  left  in  an  unfinished   state. 
Beaufort-Buildings,    on   the  opposite  road,  is  of   an 
equally  fashionable   nature,  with  a  broad  pavement, 
carriage-way,  and  a  large  green  promenade,  also  en- 
closed with  iron  rails.     This  prelude  is  prepossessing, 
and  every  progressive  stop  strengthens  the  impression 
of  the  respectability  and  importance  of  Bath ;     the 
eye  not  being  familiar  with  the  smoothness  and  cream- 
coloured  appearance  of  the  free-stone,  which  gives  the 
houses  such  an  air  of  cleanliness,  altogether,  that  the 
effect  is  unusually  cheerful.     In  passing  through  the 
turnpike,  the  appearances  of  houses  on  the  hill,  upon 
the  right  of  the  spectator,  burst  upon  him  very  corv- 
spicuously.     To  the  left  of  the  gate  is  a  very  superior 
newly-erected  row    of  houses,    with  very   handsome 
long -paved  fore-courts,  enclosed  with  iron  rails.  Next, 
in  succession,  on  the  right,  is  Worcester-  Terrace,  and 
opposite   to   which   is    Percy-Place,    both    attractive 
situations,  with  walks  and  trees  planted  before  the 
doors.     Kensington-Place   is   also  a  terrace  of  some 
quality,  with  a  carriage-way  to  it,  the  front  enclosed 
with  iron  rails,  and  gates  at  each  end  of  it.     Opposite 
to  this  handsome  range  of  dwellings  are  gardens;  and, 
the  houses  upon  the  hill,  rising  above  each  other  to  a 
great  height,  cannot  fail  of  interesting  the  attention 
of  the  passing  stranger.     On  the  left,  is  Kensington- 
Chapel,  erected  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  PALMER, 


FROM   LONDON   TO    BATH.  33 

which  is  a  neat  building,  in  the  modern  style  of  archi- 
tecture. Within  its  walls,  it  is  62  feet  in  length,  and 
42  feet  6  inches  wide.  It  has  also  a  recess,  21  feet 
by  12  feet  6  inches.  To  render  it  comfortable  to  in- 
valids, it  has  three  fire-places.  It  was  opened  for 
Divine  Service  in  1795.  On  the  right  is  Picca- 
dilhj  ;  but,  in  comparison  with  this  place  in  the  Metro- 
polis, it  is  merely  the  same  name.  Lower  East  Hayes, 
Hanover-Place,  Brmuwick-9trectt  York-Place,  Iron- 
House,  Dover  and  Bedford  Streets,  are  extremely 
short,  and  not  above  mediocrity.  Here  elegance 
gradually  gives  way  to  the  minor  habitations  of  little 
tradesmen  and  shopkeepers;  and  business  now  attracts 
the  attention  of  the  traveller.  Albemarle-Buildin«x 
and  Myrtle-Place  are  soon  passed  by ;  and  Long-Acre 
only  possesses  three  small  houses,  but  out  of  which,  to 
have  something  like  similarity  to  its  namesake  in  Lon- 
don, two  of  them  are  coach-makers.  Walcot  Build- 
ings and  Terrace  are  tolerably  neat  residences ; 
but  in  no  competition  to  Walcot- Parade,  which 
stands  very  high  on  the  right  of  the  road,  with 
a  paved  promenade  before  it,  commanding  a  good 
prospect,  and  enclosed  with  iron  railing.  Nelson1: 
Place  and  Margaret-Place  are  of  no  import.  On 
turning  into  London-Street,  Walcot  New  Chapel  pre- 
sents itself.  Of  the  religious  kind,  it  is  one  of  the 
most  elegant  chapels  in  Bath.  The  foundation-stone 
was  laid  on  the  31st  of  March,  1815,  and  opened  in 
May,  1816.  In  the  front,  it  has  an  elegant  portico  of 
the  Grecian  Doric,  and  on  the  tablet  is  inscribed 
"  WALCOT-CHAPEL,  1815."  It  has  also  on  the  frieze 
— "  DFO  SACRUM."  Divine  service  is  performed 
three  times  every  Sunday.  It  is  71  feet  in  length,  and 
in  width  52 ;  and  has  a  commodious  school  under- 
neath it,  capable  for  instructing  800  children,  with  an 
excellent  enclosed  burying-ground.  It  is  considered 
a  great  ornament  to  this  part  of  the  town.  Walcot- 
Church  is  soon  passed  on  the  left,  and  Somerset-Street 

D 


34  DESCRIPTIVE   ITINERARY 

gone  through  with  little  interest,  till  the  Vineyards, 
Paragon,  and  Bladud-Btiildings,  claim  the  notice  of 
the  spectator.  There  is  more  solidity  than  elegance 
in  the  appearance  of  these  houses,  although  well  built. 
The  Vineyards  has,  however,  to  boast  of  a  capacious 
place  of  worship,  built  by  the  late  Countess  of  Hunting- 
don ;  the  interior  of  which  is  interesting.  It  has  a  hand- 
some gallery,  and  a  good  organ ;  the  singing  at  this 
chapel  is  mentioned  with  much  respect.  The  prayers 
are  read  by  a  minister  of  the  Church  of  England. 
York- Buildings  now  puts  an  end  to  the  journey;  and 
the  traveller  alights  at  the  York- Hotel,  to  refresh  him- 
self from  the  fatigue  he  has  undergone,  amuse  himself 
with  the  attractions  and  comforts  which  this  unrival- 
led tavern  affords  to  all  its  visitors  during  their  stay, 
and  to  prepare  himself  for  future  observations  in  his 
"  WALKS  THKOUGH  BATH." 

The  above  HOTEL  is  a  fine  building,  and  considered 
one  of  the  largest  and  best  inns  in  the  kingdom,  out  of 
London.     Its  accommodations  are  in  the  first  style  of 
excellence,  under  the  superintendence  of  Messrs.  Lucas 
and  Reilly.     In  the  season  it  overflows  with  company 
of  the  highest  rank  in  life.     The  dining-roorn  is  equal,  if 
not  superior,   to  the  large  room  at  the  Crown  and 
Anchor,  in  London.     The  suite  of  rooms  correspond, 
and  are  furnished  in  the  most  superb  manner.     It  has 
a  subscription-club  of  the  first  respectability,  deno- 
minated the  "  Friendly  Brothers,"  consisting  of  three 
knots. — The  members  are  elected  by  ballot,  and  are 
free  in  London,  Dublin,  and  Bath.     The  subscription 
is  three  guineas  per  annum ;  but  an  additional  charge 
is  made  for  newspapers,    publications,  &c.       Stages 
also  set  out  from  the  York-House  every  day  for  Lon- 
don.    This  hotel  is  stored  with  a  profusion  of  silver 
plate  for  the  service  of  its  visitors.      A  catch-club  is 
likewise  held  here. 


FROM    LONDON   TO   BATH.  35 

Some  to  the  York-Hotel  resort, 

And  drown  their  cares  in  sparkling  port, 

For  recreation  seeking ; 
There  talk  of  politics  and  dress — 
At  length,  grown  weary  of  excess, 

Break  up — when  day  is  breaking. 

The  Subscription-House  also,  at  York-Buildings,  is 
considered  equal  to  any  establishment  of  the  kind  in 
England.  It  is  founded  upon  the  plan  of  similar  in- 
stitutions in  London ;  and  the  members  are  elected  by 
ballot.  The  terms  are  six  guineas  and  a  half  yearly. 
Newspapers,  &c.  are  furnished  in  abundance  for  the 
use  of  the  subscribers.  Mr.  Knubly  is  the  pro- 
prietor. 


D  2 


EPITOME 


OF 


ANCIENT  AND  MODERN  BATH : 
A  PRELUDE 

TO  THE 

WALKS  THROUGH  THE  CITY. 


BATH,  to  the  most  fastidious  admirer  of  taste 
and  elegance,  can  scarcely  be  refused  the  claim 
of  being  one  of  the  most  fashionable  and  supe- 
rior places  of  resort  out  of  the  Metropolis  of 
England.  Its  first  glance  upon  the  mind  of  the 
visitor  is  truly  enchanting;  and  upon  a  more 
minute  investigation  of  its  classic  buildings,  and 
picturesque  scenery,  it  still  fastens  with  rapture 
and  delight  upon  the  attentive  spectator ;  but 
even,  when  quite  au  fait  with  all  its  attrac- 
tions —  comforts  —  cleanliness  —  its  variety  of 
amusements — its  well-managed  police — the  re- 
storative quality  of  its  baths — and  the  efficacy 
of  its  waters,  which  this  Epitome  of  the  Beau 
Monde  affords,  not  only  to  the  rich  declining 
valetudinarian,  but  to  the  highest  votary  of 
fashion,  BATH,  taken  for  "  all  in  all,"  almost 
bids  defiance  to  meet  with  "its  like  again  !" 


EPITOME    OF   BATH.  37 

Sweet  BATH  !  the  liveliest  city  of  the  land, 
Where  health  and  pleasure  ramble  hand  in  hand, 
Where  smiling  belles  their  earliest  visit  pay, 
And  faded  maids  their  lingering  blooms  delay  ; 
Delightful  scenes  of  elegance  and  ease, 
Realms  of  the  gay,  where  every  sport  can  please  ! 

In  describing  the  above  splendid  city  as  it 
now  is,  it  may  be  naturally  expected,  that  in 
descanting  upon  the  virtues  of  its  springs,  and 
the  efficacy  of  its  baths,  it  must  be  impossible 
to  pass  over  its  ANCIENT  HISTORY  without 
retaining  some  small  portion  of  its  traditionary 
account,  however  romantic  and  delusive  it  seems, 
if  not  altogether  viewed,  at  the  present  period,  as 
totally  fabulous.  This  might  prove  a  most  ex- 
cellent subject  for  the  investigation  of  modern 
students,  who  have  a  taste  *  for  exploring  the 
hidden  stores  of  antiquity,  and  who  are  in  want 
of  employment  to  kill  time;  but  our  "  WALKS 
THROUGH  BATH"  are  of  so  extensive  and  diver- 
sified a  nature,  embracing  such  numerous,  more 
profitable,  and  entertaining  objects,  that  our 
limits  prevent  us  from  observing  little  more,  in 
this  place,  than  whether  the  City  of  Bath  is  of 
Roman  or  British  origin  the  most  learned  his- 
torians are  at  a  loss  to  decide,  however  anxious 
the  true  BATHONIAN  is  to  insist  upon  the  latter 
as  being  the  fact :  but  poetic  invention,  it  should 
seem,  has  given  to  Bladud,  the  Sage,  the  first 

#  "  Who  on  a  purblind  antiquarian's  back, 
A  founder'd,  broken-winded  hack, 

Rides  out  to  find  old  farthings,  nails,  and  bones — 
On  darkest  coins  the  brightest  legends  reads, 
On  tracdess  copper  sees  imperial  heads, 
And  makes  inscriptions  older  than  the  stones." 


38  EPITOME 

discoverer  of  the  hot  water,  and  made  him  the 
founder  of  the  city.  It  has  occupied  the  atten- 
tion of  LELAND  and  SELDEN  :  and  the  healing 
and  restorative  qualities  of  the  Bath  waters  is 
thus  asserted  to  have  been  first  ascertained,  from 
the  following  fragment  of  ancient  records : 

"  Bladud,  eldest  son  of  Lud  Hudibras  (then 
King  of  Britain,  and  the  eighth  from  Brute), 
having  spent  eleven  years  at  Athens  in  the  study 
of  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  came  home  a 
loathsome  leper,  and  for  that  reason  was  shut 
up,  that  he  might  not  infect  others.  Impatient 
of  his  confinement,  he  chose  rather  a  mean 
liberty  than  a  royal  restraint,  and  contriving  his 
escape  in  disguise,  went  very  remote  from  his 
father's  court  into  an  untravelled  part  of  the 
country,  and  offered  his  service  in  any  common 
employment,  probably  thinking  he  was  less 
likely  to  be  discovered  under  such  reduced  cir- 
cumstances than  greater;  he  therefore  entered 
into  service  at  Swainswick,  a  small  village  three 
miles  from  that  city,  where  his  business  (among 
other  things)  was  to  take  care  of  pigs,  which  he 
was  to  drive  from  place  to  place,  for  their  ad- 
vantage in  feeding  upon  beech-masts,  acorns, 
haws,  &c.  the  hills  thereabout  then  abounding 
with  such  trees,  though  now  few  of  the  two 
former  remain :  yet  there  is  a  hill  close  upon  the 
south  part  of  this  city  that  still  retains  the  name 
of  Beechen-cliff,  though  there  is  scarcely  a  beech- 
tree  left  upon  it. 

"  Here  the  rising  sun/  breaking  through  the 
clouds,  first  saluted  the  Royal  herdsman  with  its 
comfortable  beams;  and  while  he  was  addressing 
himself  to  the  glorious  luminary,  and  praying 


OF   BATH.  39 

that  the  wrath  of  heaven  against  him  might  be 
averted,  part  of  the  drove  of  pigs,  as  if  seized 
with  a  frenzy,  ran  down  the  side  of  the  hill  into 
an  alder-moor,  till  they  reached  the  spot  of 
ground  where  the  hot  springs  of  Bath  now  boil 
up,  and  from  thence  returned  covered  with 
black  mud.  The  Prince  being  of  a  thoughtful 
turn,  and  very  solicitous  to  find  out  the  reason 
why  the  pigs  that  wallowed  in  the  mire  in  the 
summer  to  cool  themselves,  should  do  the  same 
in  winter,  observed  them  further,  and  following 
them  down,  at  length  perceived  a  steam  to  arise 
from  the  place  where  the  swine  wallowed. 
Making  his  way  to  it,  he  found  it  to  be  warm  ; 
and  this  satisfied  him,  that  for  the  benefit  of  this 
heat  the  pigs  resorted  thither,  and  after  a  while 
became  whole  and  smooth  from  their  foul  scurfs 
and  eruptions,  by  their  rolling  about  in  the 
warm  mud.  Upon  this  he  considers  within  him- 
self why  he  should  not  receive  the  same  benefit, 
by  the  same  means ;  he  tries  it,  and  succeeds ; 
and  when  he  found  himself  cured  of  his  leprosy, 
declared  who  he  was.  His  master  was  not  apt 
to  believe  him  at  first,  but  at  length  did,  and 
went  with  him  to  court,  where  he  was  owned  to 
be  the  king's  son,  and,  after  his  father's  death, 
succeeded  him  in  the  government;  and  then,  in 
gratitude,  made  these  baths."* 

*  But  what  is  surprising,  no  mortal  e'er  view'd 

Any  one  of  the  physical  gentlemen  stew'd. 

From  the  day  that  king  Bladud  first  found  out  these  bogs, 

And  thought  them  so  good  for  himself  and  his  hogs, 

NOT   ONE   OF  THE   FACULTY   EVER   HAS   TRIED 

These  excellent  waters  to  cure  his  own  hide ; 
Though  many  a  skilful  and  learned  physician, 
With  candour,  good  sense,  and  profound  erudition, 


40  EPITOME 

This  singular  and  curious  fragment  thus 
concludes, — "  that  when  these  works  were  com- 
pleted, Bladud  gave  himself  up  to  ingenious 
studies,  which  he  pursued  with  so  much  assi- 
duity, that  he  at  last  invented  wings  to  fly  with ; 
but  these  not  being  quite  so  safe  as  the  modern 
balloons,  in  one  of  his  flights  he  unfortunately 
fell  upon  a  pinnacle  of  a  temple  which  he  had 
founded  to  Minerva,  in  Bath,  tumbled  instantly 
to  the  ground,  and,  to  the  great  grief  of  his 
subjects,  broke  his  neck,  after  a  reign  of  twenty 
years." 

However  romantic  and  fabulous  the  above 
account  appears,  till  within  these  last  eighty 
years,  it  seems,  it  was  the  positive  belief  and 
creed  of  every  staunch  native  of  Bath.f 

It  appears  probable  then,  that  BATH  owed  its 
foundation  to  the  Romans,  and  that  it  was  erect- 
ed under  the  reign  of  Claudius,  in  the  middle  of 

Obliges  the  world  with  the  fruits  of  his  brain, 
Their  nature  and  hidden  effects  to  explain! 

t  In  the  Rev.  Mr.  Warner's  History  of  Bath,  in  allusion 
to  the  above  circumstance,  he  has  the  following  note : — 
"  In  a  manuscript  of  Mr.  Wood,  the  architect,  communica- 
ted to  me  ten  years  ago,  by  the  Ilev.  Dr.  Ayscough,  of  the 
British  Museum,  the  following  certificate  occurs,  written  at 
the  foot  of  the  above  traditional  account,  seemingly  drawn 
up  to  be  signed  by  the  principal  inhabitants  of  Bath.  '  We, 
whose  names  are  hereunder  written,  natives  of  the  city  of 
Bath,  having  perused  the  above  tradition,  do  think  it  very 
truly  and  faithfully  related,  and  that  there  is  but  one  material 
circumstance  omitted  in  the  whole  story,  which  is,  the  grate- 
ful acknowledgment  Bladud  made  to  his  master ;  for,  it  is 
said,  the  king  richly  arrayed  him,  made  him  a  knight,  and 
gave  him  an  estate  to  support  him  in  all  his  dignity.  As 
witness  our  hands,  this  1st  day  of  November,  1741.'  " 


OF   BATH.  41 

the  first  century,  who  made  a  complete  conquest 
of  this  part  of  Somersetshire.  If  the  honour  of 
discovering  these  springs  did  not  belong  to  the 
Romans,  a  people  so  addicted  to  the  use  of  the 
bath  as  an  article  of  health  and  luxury,  it  is  na- 
tural they  would  eagerly  embrace  the  opportunity 
of  indulging  their  favourite  passion,  which  the 
thermal  waters  afforded  with  so  much  facility. 
It  is  certain  they  were  well  known  to  these  war- 
riors during  their  residence  in  Britain,  and  so 
much  indeed  did  they  value  the  use  of  these  hot 
springs,  that  they  selected  the  low  and  narrow 
valley  in  which  they  rose,  to  build  a  town  for 
their  better  security.  This  military  station,  for 
in  those  times  it  could  scarcely  be  viewed  in 
any  other  character,  is  thus  described  by  Mr. 
Warner,  in  his  voluminous  History  of  Bath: — 
"  According  to  a  form  usually  affected  by  the 
Romans  on  such  occasions,  it  approached  to  a 
parallelogram ;  swelling  out  on  one  side  so  as  to 
describe  an  outline  somewhat  pentagonal,  and 
stretching  in  length,  from  east  to  west,  about 
400  yards,  and  380  yards  in  the  broadest  part, 
from  north  to  south.  From  subsequent  disco- 
veries, these  walls  appear  to  have  been  twenty 
feet  above  ground  in  height;  and,  in  thickness, 
sixteen  feet  at  the  base,  and  eight  at  the  summit; 
strengthened  with  five  towers,  rising  at  the 
angles,  and  having  four  portce,  or  entrances, 
facing  the  cardinal  points,  which  were  connected 
with  each  other  by  two  grand  streets,  dividing 
the  city  into  four  parts,  and  intersecting  each 
other  at  the  centre."  Some  of  the  above  walls 
alluded  to  are  still  standing,  and  denominated 


42  EPITOME 

as  the  "  Borough  Wall:"*  and,  the  Old  City, 
it  is  said,  was  ten  or  twelve  feet  lower  than  the 
present  one.  It  also  received  from  the  Romans 
the  appropriate  name  of  v$»r»  0e^a,  or  Warm 
Waters ;  Thermae  Sudatae,  Aquae  Culidae,  Aquae 
Solis,  or  simply  Balnea;  while  it  was  called 
Akemanrus  Ceaster,  i.  e.  the  city  of  valetudina- 
rians, by  the  Saxons.  The  Britons  designated 
it  as  Caer  Baden;  or,  the  City  of  Bath:  and 
Caer  yn  ennaint  twymyn;  or,  the  City  of  the 
Hot-Bath. 

There  is  little  doubt  but  Bath  was  much  dis- 
tinguished by  its  elegance  in  the  time  of  the 
Romans ;  which  may  be  collected  from  the  ves- 
tiges of  Roman  magnificence,  discovered  in  dig- 
ging at  various  times  for  the  foundations  of  new 
buildings,  as  well  as  deciding  that  it  has  experi- 
enced various  revolutions,  and  been  the  resi- 
dence of  several  kings.  But  our  limits  prevent  us 
from  following  up  their  successions.  Suffice  to 
observe,  that  copper  and  brass  coins  of  Nero, 
Adrian,  Trajan,  Antoninus,  &c.  have  been  found ; 
also  several  portions  of  sculpture,  particularly 
the  head  of  a  bronze  statue,  in  fine  preservation, 
in  1727,  successively  assigned  to  a  statue  of 
Apollo  or  Minerva.  Several  rough-hewn  stone 
coffins,  and  pieces  of  coin  of  the  Saxon  kings, 
Roman  baths,  sudatories,  &c.  In  1790,  in 
laying  the  foundation  of  the  new  Pump-Room, 
in  Stall-Street,  a  great  variety  of  Roman  antiqui- 
ties were  also  discovered.  Indeed,  it  is  urged, 

*  A.t  the  back  of  the  Grove-Tavern,  contiguous  to  the 
market,  part  of  the  old  wall  and  the  eastern  gate  are  to  be 
traced. 


OF   BATH.  43 

that  Apollo  and  Minerva  were  regarded  as  the 
patrons  of  these  springs,  and  a  magnificent  tem- 
ple had  once  been  erected  on  this  spot.  In 
1793,  near  Sidney-Place,  a  sepulchral  altar  was 
found,  almost  perfect.  The  whole  of  these 
antiquities,  found  at  various  periods,  have  been 
very  properly  deposited,  by  the  Corporation,  for 
the  inspection  of  the  curious,  in  a  small  build- 
ing* at  the  end  of  Bath-Street. 

To  render  this  account  of  the  ancient  history 
of  Bath  as  concise  as  possible,  we  shall  con- 
clude by  observing,  that,  after  the  Romans  quit- 
ted Bath,  it  sunk  in  point  of  grandeur;  but,  in 
the  time  of  the  Saxons,  it  was  a  place  of  some 
note.  Richard  I.  gave  it  a  charter,  and  the  im- 
munities of  a  free  borough. 

As  early  as  26  EDWARD  I.  Bath  returned  two 
members  to  parliament;  but,  in  the  first  and 
second  years  of  EDWARD  II.  the  inhabitants  de- 
clined the  honour  of  representation,  as  being 
too  expensive.  Queen  ELIZABETH,  in  1590, 
granted  a  charter  to  Bath  as  a  body  corporate 
and  politic,  and  declared  it  a  city  of  itself;  and, 
in  1794,  his  present  Majesty  also  granted  them 
a  new  charter,  with  an  extension  of  privileges. 

In  quitting  the  above  slight  sketch  of  the  an- 
tiquity of  this  splendid  City,  the  reader's  more 
immediate  attention  is  now  claimed  to  that  pe- 
riod, from  whence  MODERN  BATH  may  date 

*  Minute  and  learned  accounts  have  been  published 
upon  these  fragments  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Warner,  the  late 
Governor  Pownall,  S.  Lysons,  Esq.  F.R.S.  Keeper  of  the 
Records  in  the  Tower ;  and  a  small  manuscript  quarto  is  also 
to  be  seen  in  this  repository,  written  by  John  Cranch,  and 
presented  to  the  Corporation,  upon  these  doubtful  subjects. 


44  EPITOME 

its  FASHIONABLE  ORIGIN,  RlSE,  and  PROGRESS, 

up  to  its  present  acme  of  elegance  and  greatness. 
It  appears,  that,  about  the  year  1670,  Bath  was 
of  no  importance  whatever,  and  merely  the  resi- 
dence of  a  small  number  of  shopkeepers  and 
mechanics;  increasing  occasionally  by  a  few 
families  of  rank,  and  valetudinarians  who  came 
for  the  benefit  of  the  waters.  The  houses  were 
far  from  respectable;  and,  in  fact,  there  were 
but  two  capable  of  receiving  persons  above  the 
middling  stations  of  life.  Indeed,  in  the  year 
1700,  it  is  asserted,  that  the  admirers  of  the 
"  light  fantastic  toe"  did  not  exceed  ten  couple; 
and  that  only  one  house  could  boast  of  having 
sashed  windows;  nor  was  cleanliness  then  one  of 
its  most  prominent  features;  and  its  salubrity, 
which  i=  now  the  theme  of  almost  every  visitor, 
was  also  much  injured  from  the  want  of  a  com- 
mon sewer.  BATH,  at  this  time,  could  not  boast 
of  a  ball-room,  or  any  other  place  of  amusement ; 
and  the  bow  ling-green,  open  and  exposed  as  it  was, 
the  most  convenient  spot  for  parties  to  dance 
upon.  Perhaps  it  might  be  only  fair  to  presume, 
that  FASHION,  at  this  period,  was  not  to  be  seen 
with  50  bold  a  front,  nor  exactly  so  transparent 
as  the  improvement  of  more  modern  times  have 
introduced  and  sanctioned : 


Whilst  many  a  close  sedan  convey'd  its  freight 

Of  naked  charmt  to  Ramrod's  room  of  state, 

Now,  now-white  botomt  fascinate  the  eye, 

Swelling  in  all  the  pride  of  nudity : 

The  firm  round  arm,  soft  cheek,  and  pouting  lip, 

And  backt  ezpos'd  below  the  jutting  hip  : 

To  these  succeed  dim  eyes,  and  wither' d  faces, 

And  pucker' d  necks,  as  rough  as  shag-green  cases ; 


OF  BATH.  4'j 


Bat  whose  kind  owners,  bon'riof  B«an*d's  hafl, 
Bcnevolrfldjtbowtbekfia^aa.' 

REBKLLIOX  iv  BAT*. 

Very  little  alteration  occurred  for  some  years, 
until  the  Duke  of  Beaufort  became  the  patron 
of  it»  amusements,  and  who  was  looked  upon  as 
the  first  master  of  the  ceremonies,  in  collecting 
the  company  together  at  the  Town  Halt  His 
Grace  introduced  a  Captain- Webster  to 
over  the  assemblies;  but  g*miug  was  so 
the  rage  among  all  ranks  at  Bath,  that  it  took 
the  lead  over  every  other  species  of 

What  thanks  to  the  Gtj  of  Bath  then  at 
Froai  aD  who  thb  patriot  amiai  pane: 
For  in  no  place 
Is  pnctb'd  to  wdl,  awl  so  wdL 

Her  *»j»  and  her  means  fat  praaMting  of  c AXIVC  ! 
And  CA»i»o,  no  donbt,  b  of 

What  trae  pdbfic  spirited  people  are  here, 
Who  far  that  very  parpoar  coax  e*Yy  year! 
ABeaiirila* 

the  only  trade  to  ] 

e  tafcject  to  fid. 

Bat  GAMIVC'S  a  basinest  will  ever  prerafl; 
Bead  es,  *tb  the  only  good  way  to  ninairnri 

We  aaijgnhon  withoat  it  thrash  fife,  I- 
Bat  then  IDS  with  people— THAT  VOEOBT 

At  this  jmsctare  Mr.  NASH  first  visited  the 
above  City.  He  was  well  received  by  the  gentry ; 
lived  upon  very  intimate  terms  with  Captain 
;  and,  at  his  death,  as  if  by  one  general 
be  took  upon  himself  the  reins  of  go- 
it,  and  began  to  superintend  every  thing 
connected  with  the  amusement*  of  the  City. 


46  EPITOME 

The  band  of  music,  consisting  only  of  five  in- 
different performers,  played  in  the  Grove,  under 
some  large  trees ;  but  the  physicians,  at  length, 
prevailed  on  Mr.  NASH  to  remove  the  music  to 
the  Pump-Room,  as  a  means  of  restoring  the 
spirits  of  the  valetudinarian. 

This,  it  appears,  was  the  origin  of  the  band 
performing  in  the  latter  place;  and  which  has 
been  continued  to.  the  present  period,  without 
any  material  alteration.  This  band  was  paid  by 
the  contribution  of  strangers:  but,  upon  the 
company  increasing,  Mr.  NASH  procured  seven 
performers  from  London,  and  they  were  permit- 
ed  to  play  in  the  Old  Cross  Bath  Pump-Room, 
in  order  to  put  them  upon  a  more  respectable 
footing. 

The  first  ball-room  in  Bath,  it  seems,  was 
erected,  as  a  matter  of  speculation,  by  a  Mr. 
Harrison,  a  young  tradesman  from  London,  at 
the  north  end  of  the  Lower  Assembly-Room, 
who,  finding  his  visitors  daily  increase,  was  in- 
duced to  build  a  card-room.  Upon  some  exac- 
tions being  made  by  Mr.  Harrison  displeasing  to 
his  visitors,  they  applied  to  Mr.  NASH  to  procure 
another  place  of  resort.  This  request  was  soon 
put  into  execution;  and,  at  the  expense  of  Mr. 
Theyr&,  on  the  walks,  (where  York-Street  now 
stands ;)  and  Mrs.  Lindsey,  a  singer  of  conside- 
rable repute,  was  selected  to  conduct  it.  These 
amusements  were  well  managed  at  both  of  the 
rooms ;  and  the  balls  were  held  alternately  on 
Tuesdays  and  Fridays,  beginning  at  six  o'clock 
and  ending  at  eleven. 

Upon  the  death  of  Harrison,  Mrs.  Hayes,  the 
sister  of  Mrs.  Lindsey,  became  tenant  of  those 


OF  BATH.  47 

rooms  ;  and,  in  consequence  of  which,  all  oppo- 
sition was  at  an  end,  and  impositions  were  again 
practised  upon  the  company.  This  complaint 
was,  at  length,  removed  upon  the  death  of  Mrs. 
Lindsey  ;  and  NASH,  with  much  discernment 
and  good  policy,  prevented  any  intimacy,  in 
future,  between  the  proprietors  of  the  rival 
ball-rooms,  to  the  injury  of  the  visitors.  Mrs. 
Hayes  becoming  very  rich,  a  nobleman,  to  mend 
his  fortune,  it  appears,  felt  no  sort  of  degrada- 
tion in  becoming  her  husband.  At  this  period, 
in  BATH,  it  was  a  subject  of  much  conversation, 
that  a  lodging-house  was  kept  by  a  duke;*  a 
gaming-table  by  a  lord  ;f  and  wine  was  sold  by 
an  archdeacon. f  The  above  instances  were  well- 
known  facts. 

Till  within  the  last  eighty  years,  BATH  was 
confined  principally  within  its  ancient  walls,  in- 
cluding only  the  parishes  of  St.  Peter  and  Paul, 
St.  James,  and  St.  Michael,  covering  about  the 
space  of  fifty  acres  of  ground :  but  owing  to  its 
vast  overflow  of  company,  which  continued 
yearly  to  increase,  and  the  want  of  residences  to 
contain  the  visitors  becoming  so  apparent,  a  few 
spirited  architects,  masons,  and  carpenters,  as- 
sisted by  some  persons  of  rank  and  property, 
anxious  to  remedy  so  generally  felt  an  evil,  en- 
tered into  a  variety  of  speculations  to  produce 
such  an  effect.  Improvement  was,  therefore, 
the  order  of  the  day;  and,  to  render  BATH 
still  more  attractive  in  the  eyes  of  the  upper 
circles  of  society,  as  well  as  to  majte  its 


Duke  of  Chandos.  t  Lord  Hawley. 

Archdeacon  Hunt. 


48  EPITOME 

accommodations  superior  .to  every  other  place  of 
fashionable  resort  in  the  kingdom,  new  streets 
were  scarcely  planned  but  erected  almost  with 
the  rapidity  of  magic;  squares,  parades,  places, 
and  circuses,  followed  in  equal  quick  succession; 
encouragement  went  hand  in  hand  to  support  so 
enlarged    an    undertaking,    where    convenience 
was  not  only  a  principal  study,  but  where  grand- 
ness  of  design  also  marked   most  prominently 
the  features   of  the  attempt;  and,  lastly,  where 
elegance  and   architectural  beauty  crowned  the 
efforts   of  those  laudable  and  praiseworthy  indi- 
viduals.    Scarcely  a  situation  in  Bath,  however 
elevated,  has  been  neglected,  where  any  building 
might  be  erected  that  would  add  importance  to 
the  City,  or  increase  the  grandeur  of  the  scale, 
which  is  clearly  evinced  in  those  houses  hang- 
ing, as  it  were,  over  the  broad  acclivity  of  Lans- 
down,  which  rises  to  the  north. 

The  houses  are  all  built  of  the  beautiful  Oolite, 
or  free-stone,  and,  from  their  pale  yellow  clean 
appearance,  produce  an  uncommonly  interesting 
effect;  but,  to  the  eye  not  accustomed  to  such 
uniformity,  it  feels  impressed  with  their  magni- 
ficence and  splendour.  With  the  addition  of  the 
parishes  of  Walcot  and  Bathwick,  to  which  no 
distinction  can  now  be  scarcely  witnessed,  the 
connexion  being  so  complete,  and  the  buildings 
having  multiplied  so  astonishingly,  that  it  may 
be  said  of  BATH,  it  has  not  only  thickened  in 
breadth,  but  it  has  also  stretched  so  far,  that  at 
the  present  period  (1819)  it  measures  nearly  one 
mile  and  three  quarters  in  length,  containing  a 
population  of  50,000  souls.  It  undoubtedly 
must  prove  a  great  source  of  gratification,  if  not 


OF    BATH.  49 

laudable  pride  to  the  natives  of  Bath,  that  within 
the  remembrance  of  a  few  fleeting  years,  upon 
those  very  green  fields  the  pastime  and  pleasure 
of  their  boyish  days,  and  also  in  climbing  those 
hills,  whether  in  pursuit  of  exercise,  or  to  enjoy 
the  delightful  prospects  which  so  often  present 
themselves  to  their  enraptured  sight,  are  now  all 
vanished    in    the   metamorphose   of   beholding 
splendid  mansions,  &c.  risen  in  their  stead ;  and 
the  once  straggling  suburbs  now  closely  filled 
up,  and   enveloped  as  it  were  in  the  very  heart 
of  the  city.     Admiration,  in  contemplating  and 
appreciating   this  increasing   scene  of  magnifi- 
cence, feels  at  a  loss  whether  to  give  the  palm 
to  the  spirit  of  the  builders — the  liberality  in 
employing   such   immense    capitals — or   to  the 
great  patronage  and  support  of  the  nobility  and 
gentry.     But  while  this  spirit  of  enterprise  and 
speculation  existed  towards  the  northern  side  of 
the  city,  it  would   be   unjust  to  omit,  that  the 
valuable  tracts  of  land  which  were  situated  on 
the  other  side  of  the  town  were  not  suffered  to 
remain  in   a   dreary    and    barren     state.     The 
late  Sir  William  Pulteney,  anxious  to  keep  pace 
with    the    general    design,    namely — THE    IM- 
PROVEMENT   OF    BATH,    and    possessing  the 
true  spirit   of   emulation  and    rivalry   even   to 
exceed   the   other   part   of   the   city,    erected 
a  bridge   of  communication,   (called  after   his 
name,)   and  held    out   such   encouragement   to 
builders,  that  a  NEW  TOWN  might  almost  be 
said  to  have  been  produced  from  his  exertions. 
Possessing  also  the  advantages  of  rough  stone 
being  dug  from  his  own  contiguous  hills,  and 
being  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood  of  excel- 


50  KF1TOME 

lent  quarries  of  free-stone,  his  plans  were  pro- 
secuted with  redoubled  vigour  and  rapidity, 
and  he  lived  to  see  the  most  elegant  and  capa- 
cious street,  finished  in  Bath,  as  well  as  several 
elegant  ones  adjoining  it.  His  daughter,  the 
late  Countess  of  Bath,  also,  with  becoming  zeal, 
furthered  the  speculating  design  of  her  parent ; 
and  the  Earl  of  Darlington  (to  whom  those 
estates  devolved)  seems  to  hold  out  the  same 
spirit  of  enterprise  and  improvement  that  cha- 
racterized the  laudable  efforts  of  his  two  noble 
predecessors.  Not  a  month,  it  should  seem, 
passes  over  without  the  commencement  of  new 
buildings  in  some  part  of  BATH  ;  and,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  erection  of  a  new  church  at  Bath- 
wick,  which  is  a  most  interesting  piece  of  archi- 
tecture, and  a  very  great  ornament  to  this  part 
of  the  suburbs,  the  ground  for  another  church, 
it  is  said,  is  also  marked  out  near  James- Street, 
besides  the  plans  of  new  squares,  streets,  &c. 

It  has  however  been  urged,  for  a  number  of 
years  past,  that  BATH,  like  most  other  fashion- 
able places  of  resort,  was  likely  to  experience 
an  excess  of  buildings,  and  that,  ultimately,  ruin 
would  fall  upon  the  various  speculators  in  thus 
employing  their  capital;  but  this  prophecy,  up 
to  the  present  time,  has  proved  nothing  more  than 
visionary  conjecture ;  and,  on  the  contrary,  houses 
have  been  scarcely  finished,  when  purchasers 
have  appeared,  and  tenants  not  been  found 
wanting.  The  following  anecdote,  in  illustration 
of  the  above  fact,  is  worthy  of  remark  : — In  the 
year  1790,  a  gentleman,  conspicuous  for  the 
great  botanical  taste  he  had  displayed  in  his 
garden  in  the  suburbs,  was  suddenly  ordered  to 


OF   BATH.  51 

quit  this  scene  of  his  amusement  and  delight  to 
make  room  for  a  building  lease ;  in  the  heat  of 
his  mortification  and  anger,  and  giving  vent  to 
his  wounded  feelings,  he  wrote  the  following 
epigram:  — 

Ye  men  of  BATH,  who  stately  mansion?  rear, 
To  wait  for  tenants  from  the  devil  knows  where  ; 
Would  you  pursue  a  plan  that  cannot  fail, 
Erect  a  mad-house,  and  enlarge  your  gaol. 

This  epigram  called  forth  the  following  appo- 
site reply :  — 

Whilst  crowds  arrive,  fast  as  our  streets  increase, 
And  our  GAOL  only  proves  an  empty  space ; 
Whilst  health  and  ease  here  court  the  grave  and  gay — 
Madmen  find  fools  alone  will  keep  away. 

It  is  asserted  as  a  fact,  that,  at  the  period 
the  above  reply  was  made  public,  not  a  single 
prisoner  was  to  be  found  within  the  walls 
of  the  gaol,  and  the  sheriff  (C.  Philpot,  Esq.) 
had,  in  consequence,  ordered  the  doors  of  the 
prison  to  be  thrown  open. 

Bath  is  not  alone  indebted  to  the  erection  of 
new  buildings  for  improvement,  which  is  evident, 
from  an  act  of  parliament  having  been  procured 
in  1789,  to  enable  the  commissioners  to  widen  and 
render  more  convenient  many  parts  of  the  Old 
City,  which  has  not  only  been  acted  upon  with 
great  skill  and  propriety,  but  reflects  much  credit 
upon  the  Corporation  for  their  anxious  endeavours 
to  let  no  improvement  be  neglected,  that  could 
add  comfort  or  give  increased  splendour  to  the 
City  of  Bath. 

A  grand  and  spacious  square,  opposite  the 
South  Parade,  has  also  been  planned  by  Earl 
Manvers,  and  in  some  degree  begun,  and  which 

E2 


52  EPITOME 

cannot  fail,  when  completed,  of  being  a  great 
ornament  to  this  part  of  Old  Bath,  and  rival 
some  of  its  most  magnificent  structures. 

The  following  poetic  description  of  BATH, 
written  by  the  eloquent  and  feeling  Mr.  PRATT, 
nearly  20  years  ago,  is  another  convincing  proof 
of  the  rapid  increase  of  the  buildings,  squares, 
&c.  at  that  period;  and  the  comparison  still 
holds  good  in  1819:  — 

0  BATH,  how  fair  wert  them  to  view, 
When  last  I  said,  dear  Bath,  adieu ! 
When,  in  the  language  of  the  beau, 

1  tendered  thee  my  D.  I.  O. ! 

Fair  were  the  hills  that  topt  thy  scene, 
And  fair  the  groves  that  smil'd  between. 
A  CRESCENT  grac'd  thy  hairy  brow  ; 
A  CIRCUS  bound  thy  zone  below  j 
And  blithe  as  Eden  in  its  May, 
Nature,  with  all  her  train,  at  play, 
Were  seen  distinct ;  the  frolic  gales 
Sporting  with  beauty  ill  the  vales ; 
While  temp'rance,  to  Hygeia  giv'n — 
Crown'd  with  roses  fresh  from  heav'n ; 
Their  odours  dropping  from  her  wings, — 
Shed  balm  into  thy  healing  springs ; 
While  all  that  rais'd  life's  drooping  powers, 
Were  guided  by  the  sober  hours ; 
There  regulated  dame  and  play, 
And  scatter'd  blessings  o'er  the  way. 
Such  wert  thou  when  I  saw  thee  last, 
Some  twenty  fleeting  summers  past, 
But  now,  so  mighty  art  thou  grown, 
Thy  head  so  large,  thy  trunk  so  swoln, 
Thy  legs  and  arms  so  long  and  wide, 
And  such  an  air  of  city  pride ; 
Thy  sides  so  blackened  by  the  smoke, 
Thy  streets  so  crammed,  thy  views  so  broke ; 
By  upstart  buildings,  perch'd  on  high, 
Like  pigmies  aiming  at  the  sky  j 


OF   BATH.  53 

Vapour  that  respiration  clogs, 

And  all  the  family  of  fogs ; 

And  modern  ruins  all  a-row, 

And  winds  above,  and  dust  below, 

And  London  fashions  rattling  down 

To  make  thee  yet  more  overgrown, 

And  well-bred  dinnerings  at  seven, 

And  sipping  coffee  at  eleven  ; 

And  sandwiches  at  noon  or  night, 

And  dames,  at  noon  of  day,  in  white, 

Shewing  their  shapes  to  all  the  men 

Up  Milsom-street,  and  down  again; 

Pacing  the  smooth  parades  in  crowds, 

Like  shadows  folded  in  their  shrouds  j 

Yet  shades  that  prove  the  substance  true, 

For  each  fair  limb's  betray'd  to  view, 

And  though  the  earth  the  drapery  reaches, 

'Tis  but  a  kind  of  muslin  breeches, 

Tight  e'en  as  buck-skin  on  the  beau, 

With  here  and  there  an  airy  flow, 

As  waves  the  linen  to  the  breeze, 

O  times  of  freedom  and  of  ease ! 

And  after  thus  they  blow  about, 

They  leave  the  even  of  a  rout ; 

Then,  hissing  hot,  retire  to  bed ! 

And  rise  at  noon  of  day,  half  dead  ! — 

In  short, thou  art  so  LONDONIZ'D, 

So  over-built,  and  over-siz'd, 

That,  my  old  friend,  I  scarcely  knew, 

Since  last  I  said,  dear  BATH  adieu! 

Yet,  if  with  this  increase  of  height, 

And  bulk,  thou  art  so  good  as  great ; 

If  thou  more  largely  can  dispense 

Thy  streams  to  genius,  virtue,  sense  ; 

If  from  those  streams  more  copious  flow 

The  balms  that  soften  human  woe  : 

Or  if  they  offer  prompt  relief 

To  pallid  sickness,  paler  grief; 

Or  give  to  pity's  gentle  eye 

The  melting  beam  of  charity  ; 

Or  to  the  trembling  nerves  impart 

The  tone  that  gives  the  cheerful  heart ; 


54  EPITOME 

And  if  from  thy  augmented  wealth 

The  poor  find  bread,  the  affluent  health  ; 

And  faded  sorrow  at  thy  springs 

Removes  the  malady  it  brings  : 

Then, — though  thy  charms  were  all  destroy'd, 

Though  hosts  of  artists  were  employ'd, 

To  seize  the  remnant  of  thy  bowers, 

Usurp  the  fragrant  realms  of  flowers ; 

Though  the  white  mason  should  displace 

The  varied  grounds  of  ev'ry  grace, 

Where  now  thy  tender  blossoms  blow, 

And  daisies  shoot,  and  hawthorns  grow, 

Rob  e'en  thy  gardens  of  their  pride, 

And  spread  the  vernal  ruin  wide, 

Till  e'en  the  firs  that  edge  the  scene 

Should  yield  their  everlasting  green, 

And  disembowell'd  quarries  dark 

CHANGE  TO  A  TOAVN  thy  ALLEN's  park ; 

Another  CRESCENT  crowd  thy  hill, 

And  hid  in  clouds  another  still, 

Another  CIRCUS  on  another, 

Staring  and  wond'ring  at  each  other ! 

Till  when  I  next  my  visit  pay 

Brick,  stone,  or  mortar,  block  my  way, 

I'd  bicl  thee  build  from  street  to  street, 

Till  LUD'S  and  BLADUD'S  cities  meet. 

The  situation  of  BATH  is  low ;  but,  notwith- 
standing, the  air  is  considered  very  salubrious ; 
and  the  inhabitants,  generally,  possessing  good 
health  and  longevity.  It  stands  in  a  fruitful 
valley,  in  the  hundred  of  Bathforum,  in  the 
north-east  part  of  Somersetshire,  and  is  sur- 
rounded by  an  amphitheatre  of  hills  of  con- 
siderable height,  which  prove  a  fine  shelter  from 
the  north-easterly  winds,  and  is  only  open  to 
the  west.  It  also  abounds  with  most  excellent 
springs,  the  water  of  which  is  conveyed  by 
leaden  pipes  into  the  houses  of  the  city.  Bath 


OF   BATH.  55 

is  south-west  67  miles  distant  from  Oxford  ;  39 
from  the  city  of  Gloucester ;  36  north-west  from 
Salisbury  ;  19  from  Wells;  80  from  Exeter;  13 
from  Bristol;  and  107  miles  from  London.  The 
Avon,  which  passes  close  to  the  city,  is  navigable 
for  barges  to  and  from  Bristol ;  and  by  the 
Kennet  and  Avon  canal,  in  conjunction  with  the 
Thames  navigation,  there  is  a  direct  communi- 
cation by  water  to  the  metropolis. 

BATH  is  under  the  jurisdiction  of  a  mayor, 
recorder,  10  aldermen,  and  20  common  council- 
men,  a  chamberlain,  and  a  town-clerk  ;  two 
sheriffs  and  two  chief  constables  are  annually 
chosen  from  the  common  council ;  and  the 
mayor  and  two  justices  are  also  selected  from 
the  aldermen:  but,  upon  the  renewal  of  the 
charter,  in  17.()4,  the  justices  were  increased  to 
the  number  of  nine.  The  sum  of  £  1000  per 
annum  is  allowed  the  mayor  to  support  the  dig- 
nity of  his  office.  The  body  of  chairmen,  con- 
sisting of  upwards  of  300  in  number,  are  all 
sworn  in  as  constables,  the  better  to  aid  the 
\\ell-directed  police,  which  Bath  has  to  boast  of 
over  every  other  place  in  the  kingdom.  It  re- 
turns two  members  to  parliament,  which  are 
chosen  by  the  corporation ;  and,  beingjoined  with 
Wells,  forms  a  bishopric,  and  is  called  the  dio- 
cese of  Bath  and  Wells.  The  corporation,  it 
appears,  has  the  gift  or  patronage  of  the  rectory 
of  Bath,  with  Lyncomb  and  Widcombe  appen- 
dant :  also  the  mastership  of  St.  John's  Hospital 
and  the  rectory  of  Charlcombe,  and  the  master- 
ship of  the  Grammar-School;  but  which  are  of 
inferior  importance. 


•56  EPITOME 

In  a  poem,  written  by  an  elegant  female/ 
called,  "  A  DESCRIPTION  OF  BATH,"  the  fol- 
lowing lines,  on  its  healthy  situation  and  the  re- 
storative qualities  of  its  waters,  occur:— 

"  If  but  one  leper  cured  made  Jordan's  stream, 
In  sacred  writ,  a  venerable  theme ; 
What  honour  to  thy  sov'reign  water's  due, 
Where  sick  by  thousands  do  their  health  renew  ! 

"The  min'ral  steams  which  from  the  baths  arise, 
From  noxious  vapours  clear  the  neighb'ring  skies; 
When  fevers  bore  an  epidemic  sway, 
Unpeopled  towns,  swept  villages  away  ; — 
While  death  abroad  dealt  terror  and  despair, 
The  plague  but  gently  touch'd  within  their  sphere. 

"  Bless'd  source  of  health !  seated  on  rising  ground, 
With  friendly  hills  by  nature  guarded  round  ; 
From  eastern  blasts  and  sultry  south  secure, 
The  Ain's  balsamic,  and  the  SOIL  is  pure!" 

BATH,  in  the  reign  of  Richard  I.  was  a  place 
of  considerable  trade;  and  much  intercourse,  it 
appears,  took  place  at  that  time  with  Bristol,  in 
the  articles  of  silk,  cloth,  &c.  and  numerous 
barges,  laden  with  various  commodities,  were 
employed  upon  the  Avon.  In  the  fourteenth 
century,  the  woollen  trade  made  its  appearance 
at  Bath  with  some  vigour;  but,  in  the  reign  of 
Henry  VIII.  it  was  viewed  as  one  of  the  first 
woollen  towns  in  the  west  of  England,  and  had 
three  companies  established  in  the  city  of  the 
weavers,  tailors,  and  shoemakers.  The  woollen 
trade  continued  to  flourish  in  Bath  during  the 
seventeenth  century;  and,  at  the  restoration  of 
Charles  II.  in  the  parish  of  St.  Michael,  no  less 

*  The  late  Mrs.  CHANDLER. 


OF  BATH.  57 

than  sixty  broad  looms  were  employed.  But, 
owing  to  the  introduction  of  machinery  and 
other  causes,  it  completely  dwindled  away; 
and,  as  if  manufactures  or  trade,  carried  on  upon 
a  large  scale,  were  considered  inimical  or  injuri- 
ous to  a  fashionable  place  of  resort,  like  BATH, 
it  appears  that  even  the  mere  resemblance  of  it 
has  been  completely  done  away,  within  the  last 
fifty  years,  by  the  prohibition  of  the  following 
trades  from  walking  in  procession,  decorated 
with  their  regalia,  which  had  been  an  annual 
custom  ever  since  the  fifteenth  century.  The 
trading  importance,  therefore,  of  the  tailors, 
cordwainers,  plasterers,  masons,  joiners,  mercers, 
upholsterers,  butchers,  and  bakers,  was  com- 
pletely annihilated;  and,  by  a  legal  decree,  de- 
clared the  privileges  they  had  hitherto  assumed 
were  usurped  and  unfounded.  It  has,  however, 
been  thought  that  commerce  may,  in  some  de- 
gree, revive,  owing  to  the  canal  which  has  been 
made  from  BATH  to  Bristol;  and  that  various 
heavy  articles,  such  as  iron,  copper,  &c.  might 
pass  through  the  City  from  Wales,  instead  of 
going  a  circuitous  and  hazardous  voyage  to  the 
metropolis ;  and,  in  return,  BATH  might  supply 
Wales  with  those  commodities  which  are  sent 
from  London.  The  trade  of  BATH  is,  therefore, 
now  confined  exclusively  to  retail  custom;  and 
dependent  entirely  upon  the  caprice  of  fashion, 
or  the  mere  home  consumption  of  the  City  and 
its  neighbourhood. 

Tradesmen !  a  set  of  vulgar  swine, 

Crutches  for  a  fortune  in  a  deep  decline ; 

Lo  !  what  a  tradesman's  good  for,  and  lo  all, 

A  wooden  buttress  for  a  tott'ring  wall ! — PINDAR. 


«  EPITOME 

But,  however  tlie  importance  of  traffic  may 
be  viewed  as  a  secondary  consideration,  and 
placed,  as  it  is,  in  the  back-ground,  it  is  evident 
that  the  learned  and  other  professions  are  not 
only  prominent  but  numerous  in  the  extreme. 
In  the  healing  art  alone,  the  various  "  GUIDES" 
distinctly  name  thirty-one  physicians,  thirty-two 
surgeons,  sixteen  apothecaries,  eight  dentists, 
and  eight  chemists. 

As  we  all  came  for  health,  (as  a  body  may  say,) 

I  sent  for  the  doctor  the  very  next  day, 

And  so,  as  I  grew  every  day  worse  and  worse, 

The  doctor  advised  me  to  send  for  a  nurse, 

And  the  nurse  was  so  willing  my  health  to  restore, 

She  begg'd  me  to  send  for  'A few  doctors  more; 

For  when  any  difficult  work's  to  be  done, 

Many  heads  can  despatch  it  much  sooner  than  one ; 

And  I  find  there  are  doctors  ENOUGH  in  this  place, 

If  you  want  to  consult  in  a  dangerous  case  ! 

Here  are  also  six  architects;  teachers  of  vari- 
ous languages,  thirteen;  dancing-masters  and 
academies,  ten ;  and  professors  of  music,  upon 
various  instruments,  forty : 

For  in  every  science,  in  ev'ry  profession, 

We  make  the  best  progress  at  years  of  discretion ! 

Of  that  useful  class  of  society  (and  no  de- 
scription of  men  can  possibly  be  of  more  im- 
portance in  a  place  of  fashion)  there  are  five 
bankers;  and,  as  a  convincing  proof  that  "great 
folks"  have  neither  time  nor  industry  to  manage 
their  own  affairs,  employment,  it  should  seem, 
is  found  in  BATH  for  five  barristers,  five  con- 
veyancers, and  for  twenty-nine  ATTORNIES  ! 
but,  among  the  numerous  comforts  and  couveni- 


OF   BATH.  59 

ences  specified  and  promulgated  in  the  above 
Guides,  there  are  no  mention  made  either  of 
patent  coffins  or  undertakers!  The  healthful 
state  of  the  climate,  it  is  presumed,  renders  it 
impossible  to  get  a  living  at  the  above  trade,  as 
a  distinct  business. 

PRINCIPAL  INNS. — Bath  has  to  boast  of  most 
excellent  inns  for  the  reception  of  company;  the 
following  may  be  reckoned  as  the  most  conspi- 
cuous, from  which  the  mail  and  several  other 
stage-coaches  start. 

YORK-HOUSE,  York -Buildings.  —  Messrs. 
Lucas  and  Reilly. 

WHITE-HART,  Stall-Street.— Messrs.  Wood- 
house  and  Co. 

WHITE-LION,  Market-Place. — Mr.  Arnold. 

CASTLE,  Northgate-Street. — Mr.  Temple. 

LAMB,  Stall-Street. — Mr.  Banks. 

GREYHOUND,  Market-Place.—Mr.  May. 

ANGEL,  West  gate- Street.— Mr.  Rose. 

FROMONT  and  Co.'s  Coach-Office. — Market- 
place. 

CHRISTOPHER,  Market-Place.—Mr.  Cook. 

GOLDEN-LION,  Horse-Street. — Mr.  Prince. 

LODGING-HOUSES.  —  In  this  respect,  Bath 
rises  superior  to  almost  every  other  place  of 
public  resort  in  the  kingdom.  Lodgings  are  not 
only  very  numerous,  but  are  distinguished  for 
the  elegance,  convenience,  and  comfort,  which 
they  afford  the  visitors.  In  the  course  of  a  walk 
of  five  or  ten  minutes  about  the  City,  after  the 
arrival  of  a  family,  suitable  apartments  may  be 
procured,  with  the  utmost  ease,  the  prices  vary- 
ing according  to  the  situations  of  the  house,  the 
number  of  rooms,  &c. 


60  EPITOME 

BOARDING-HOUSES.— -There  are  also  several 
excellent  places  of  this  description  within  the 
City  of  Bath,  for  the  accommodation  of  those 
visitors  who  are  anxious  to  confine  their  expen- 
diture within  certain  limits. 

EATING-HOUSES,  or  Cooks'  Shops,  which 
are  so  numerous  in  London,  are  not  to  be  found 
in  Bath ;  throughout  the  whole  City,  there  are 
not  above  three  in  number,  and  those  with  infe- 
rior accommodation.  The  visitors,  in  general, 
are  of  too  high  a  cast  to  encourage  such  sort  of 
pauvre  restaurateurs.  Several  of  the  public- 
houses  have  good  ordinaries. 

NEWSPAPERS.  —  Four  of  these  vehicles  of 
public  information  are  published  weekly  in  Bath, 
under  the  following  titles : — The  Bath  Journal, 
Bath  and  Cheltenham  Gazette,  Bath  Chronicle, 
and  the  Bath  Herald;  but  whose  columns  par- 
take niore  of  a  fashionable  and  miscellaneous 
nature  than  of  any  original  political  angry  tone. 

BATH  has  also  its  "  PENNY  POST,"  which 
proves  of  great  convenience  to  the  visitors. 

THE  PUBLIC  LIBRARIES  are  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  following  persons : — 

Messrs.  Meyler  and  Son,  close  to  the  Great 
Pump- Room. 

Mr.  Godwin,  Milsom-Street. 

Mr.  Duffield's,  ditto. 

Mr.  Upham's,  on  the  Walks. 

Messrs.  Barrett  and  Sons,  Bond-Street. 

Mr.  Gibbons,  Ar gyle- Street. 

Mr.  Sims,  North  Parade. 

These  places  of  rational  entertainment  are 
well  supplied  with  the  London  and  provincial 
newspapers,  &c.  and  great  varieties  of  valuable 


OF   BATH. 


61 


books  in  the  different  parts  of  literature  will  be 
found  among  their  collections.  The  terms  are 
as  follow : — 


£   «. 
1  10  the  year. 
1     0  six  months. 
0  15  the  quarter. 

i. 

10 
7 
2 

d. 

6  two  months. 
6  the  month. 
G  by  the  week. 

RIDING-SCHOOLS. — When  the  weather  will 
not  permit  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  to  take  their 
rides  upon  the  downs,  &c.  the  above  schools, 
situate  in  Montpelier-Row  and  Monmouth- 
Street,  kept  by  Messrs.  Stevenson  and  Stokes, 
are  very  extensive  and  commodious  for  taking 
equestrian  exercise.  To  learn  to  ride  the  mana- 
ged horse,  the  terms  are  three  guineas  for  sixteen 
lessons  ;  and  5s.  6d.  for  a  single  lesson. 

SEDAN-CHAIRS  AND  TWO-WHEELED  CAB- 
RTAGES. — The  former  of  these  vehicles  greatly 
add  to  the  comforts  of  Bath,  in  not  only  securing 
from  annoyance  and  exposure  visitors  to  the 
public  places  of  amusement;  but,  also,  in 
proving  a  most  desirable  conveyance  for  the 
valetudinarian  and  invalid,  in  all  sorts  of  weather, 
to  any  part  of  the  City.  The  chairs,  in  general, 
are  neat  and  clean,  and  free  from  damp;  and 
are  under  the  perfect  controul  of  the  corporation, 
from  whom  they  receive  an  annual  license.  Th€ 
following  rates  are  also  affixed  by  the  mayor 
and  two  justices: — 

5.     d. 

For  carrying  one  person  any  distance  not  exceeding 

500  yards    0     6 

Above  500,  and  not  exceeding  1173  yards 1     0 

Beyond  1173  yards,  and  not  exceeding  one  mile  . .  16 
Beyond  one  measured  mile,  and  not  exceeding  in  the 

whole  one  mile  and  586  yards 2     0 


62  EPITOME 

Not  exceeding  one  mile  1173  yards 2     6 

Not  exceeding  two  measured  miles 3     0 

And  for  every  586  yards  beyond 0     6 

Any  person  may  detain  the  chairmen  in  every  fare,  without 
paying  any  thing  for  it,  as  follows,  viz. 

Minutes.  Minutes. 


In  a  sixpenny  fare  ....  10 
In  a  twelvepenny  fare. .  15 
In  an  eighteenpenny  fare  20 


In  a  two  shilling  fare  . .  25 
In  half-a-crown  fare  . .  30 
In  a  three  shilling  fare  35 


And  in  every  other  fare  or  quantity  of  ground  constituting 
an  additional  fare,  any  farther  time  not  exceeding  in  each 
additional  sixpenny  fare,  as  ahove,  five  minutes. 

All  fares  to  be  charged  double  after  twelve  o'clock  at 
night.  And,  instead  of  500  yards,  300  are  only  a  sixpennv 
fare  on  hilly  or  ascending  ground,  whether  upwards  or 
downwards;  but  where  the  fare  begins  on  plain  ground,  and 
ends  on  ascent,  or  begins  on  a  descent,  and  ends  on  plain 
ground,  the  chairmen  must  carry  the  full  space  of  500  yards. 

Chairmen  to  be  paid  6d.  for  each  extra  quarter  of  an  hour's 
waiting.  Chairmen  demanding  more  for  their  fare  than  they 
are  entitled  to,  or  refusing  or  declining  to  carry  any  fare  when 
called  on,  or  using  any  abusive  or  insulting  language,  shall 
forfeit  ^Os.  or  be  suspended  from  using  their  chair  for  any 
time  not  exceeding  forty  days. 

The  mayor  and  two  justices  to  direct  the  measurement  of 
any  distances  in  dispute,  the  expense  of  which  to  be  paid  by 
the  chairmen,  if  the  distance  be  less  than  they  charge,  and, 
if  more,  by  the  persons  they  carry. 

THE  POST-OFFICE.^  It  cannot  be  doubted, 
but  this  institution  is  most  admirably  conducted, 
when  it  is  recollected  that  the  late  Mr.  Palmer, 
the  grand  projector  of  the  mail-coaches,  was  a 
native  and  resident  of  Bath.  It  is  situate  oppo- 
site the  Abbey  Church,  in  Kingston-Buildings; 
and  where  the  post  arrives  at,  and  leaves  Bath 
for  the  under-mentioned  places,  at  the  following 
specified  times : — 


OF    BATH. 

To  AND  FROM  LONDON,    AND  PARTS   BEYOND. 

Goes  out — Every  evening  (except  Saturday)  at  five  o'clock. 
Comes  in — Every  morning  (except  Monday)  from  ten  to 
twelve. 

To  and  from  Hounslow,  Colnbrook,  Maidenhead,  Reading, 
Newbury,  Hungerford,  Marlborough,  Calne,Chippenham, 
&c. 

Goes  out — Every  evening  at  five. 
Comes  in — Every  morning  from  ten  to  twelve. 
To  and  from  all  parts  of  Oxfordshire,  Stratford,  Warwick, 
Abingdon,  Faringdon,  Malmsbury,  Swindon,    Wootton- 
Basset,  Cricklade,  Highworth,  Lechlade,  Fairibrd,  Ciren- 
cester,  Tetbury,  Sodbury,  &c. 

Goes  out — Every  morning  at  nine. 
Comes  in — Every  evening  from  four  to  five. 
To  and  from  Cornwall,  Devon,  Wellington,Taunton,  Bridge- 
water,  Wells,  Somerton,  Langport,  Tlminster,  Chard,  Crew- 
kerne,  &c. 

Goes  out — Every  morning  at  nine. 
Comes  in — Every  evening  from  four  to  five. 
To  and  from  Eastbourne,  Uckfield,  Brighton,  Chichester, 
Petworth,  Shoreham,  Dorsetshire,  Hampshire,  Salisbury, 
Heytesbury,  Warminster,  Frome,  &c. 
Goes  out — Every  evening  at  five. 
Comes  in — Every  morning  from  nine  to  ten. 
To  and  from  the  north  of  Ireland,  Wales,  Cumberland,  Dur- 
ham, Northumberland,  Scotland,  Cove  and  Cork,  Michin- 
hampton,  Usk,  Abergavenny,  Monmouth,  Westmoreland, 
Lancashire,  Cheshire,  Shropshire,  Staffordshire,  Worces- 
tershire,   Herefordshire,   Birmingham,  Gloucester,  Chel- 
tenham,    Stroud,    Northleach,     Newnham,     Berkeley, 
Newent,  Michel-Dean,  Colford,  Dursley,  Wootton,  De- 
vizes, Melksham,  Trowbridge,  Bradford,  &c. 
Goes  out — Every  afternoon  at  three. 
Comes  in — Every  morning  from  nine  to  eleven. 
To  and  from  Bristol,  South  of  Irekiid,  Pembrokeshire,  Car- 
marthenshire, Monmouthshire,  Glamorganshire,  Newport, 
Caerleon,  Chepstow,  &c. 

Goes  out — Every  morning  at  nine,  and  every  evening  at 
three. 

Comes  in — Every  morning  about  ten,   and  every  evening 
at  six. 


64  EPITOME 

The  letter-box  is  closed  every  evening  from  five  to  a  quarter 
before  six  ;  but  letters  will  be  forwarded  by  that  evening's 
mail,  on  paying  Id.  if  brought  before  a  quarter  past  five; 
from  that  time  till  the  arrival  of  the  Bristol  mail  6d.  is  charged, 
after  which  no  letter  can  be  received  to  be  forwarded  by 
that  post. 

BATH  HARMONIC  SOCIETY.— This  musical 
institution,  which  is  held  every  Friday  evening, 
from  December  to  March,  at  the  White  Hart  Inn, 
in  Stall-Street,  is  of  the  most  respectable  de- 
scription, and  was  founded  in  1795,  by  the  Rev. 
M.  BOWEN,  a  gentleman  of  acknowledged  great 
musical  taste.  The  singing  consists  principally 
of  glees,  catches,  &c.  Nothing  that  can  offend 
the  most  refined  ear  is  suffered  to  be  sung.  The 
members  are  admitted  by  ballot.  Three  guineas 
for  the  first  season.  Their  Royal  Highnesses 
the  Prince  Regent,  the  Dukes  of  York  and 
Gloucester,  are  members ;  and  his  Royal  High- 
ness has  conferred  the  dignity  upon  the  Society 
of  wearing  garter-blue  ribands.  In  the  season 
a  superb  concert  and  ball  is  given  to  the  ladies, 
at  Kingston-Rooms.  Strangers  are  admitted 
twice  in  the  year;  but  noblemen,  gentlemen,  and 
professional  men  only,  are  elected  as  members. 
Of  the  kind,  it  is  the  first  society  in  England. 

BATH  has  the  honour  to  boast  of  not  only 
being  the  temporary  residence  of  numerous 
princes  and  crowned  heads  at  distant  periods, 
but  also  of  the  visits  of  royalty  in  more  modern 
times,  more  frequently  than  any  other  city  of  its 
size  in  England.  Osric,  Offa,  Edgar,  and  most 
of  the  princes  of  the  Saxon  line;  Rufus,  the 
Norman;  Henry  I.  and  II.  Edward  I.  II. 
and  III.  Henry  IV.  and  VII.  Edward  VI.  and 
Elizabeth;  James  I.  and  Charles  I.  Richard 


OF  BATH.  65 

Cromwell  and  Charles  II.  James  II.  and  his 
queen;  Frederick,  Prince  of  Wales,  and  his  con- 
sort;  the  Princess  Amelia;  his  Royal  Highness 
the  Prince  Regent  visited  Bath  in  1796,  and 
accepted  the  freedom  of  the  City;  and,  in  1705, 
his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Gloucester,  and 
their  Royal  Highnesses  the  Duke  and  Duchess 
of  York,  made  a  temporary  residence  of  Bath; 
and  also  in  November,  1817,  her  late  Majesty 
the  Queen  honoured  Bath  with  her  presence; 
but  was  suddenly  called  away  by  the  lamented 
death  of  the  Princess  Charlotte  of  Wales;  but, 
in  the  course  of  three  weeks  her  Majesty  return- 
ed to  this  elegant  City  for  a  short  period,  and 
received  an  address  of  condolence  from  the 
Mayor  and  Corporation,  upon  the  great  loss  the 
nation  had  sustained  in  the  death  of  her  Royal 
Highness. 

In  the  season,  which  may  be  said  to  be  at  its 
height  from  Christmas  to  April,  it  is  the  opinion 
of  every  person  who  has  visited  this  elegant 
City,  that  Bath  rises  superior  to  every  other 
place  in  England,  in  affording  so  extensive  a 
circle  of  polite  and  well-bred  company.  The 
entertainments  are  also  regulated  with  great  pro- 
priety ;  and  the  variety  of  them,  added  to  the 
numerous  delightful  interesting  walks  with  which 
it  abounds,  prevents  that  degree  of  sameness 
which  pervades  most  oilier  public  places  of  re- 
sort. In  the  morning  from  the  Pump-Room  to 
the  Parades— the  Crescents — a  stroll  alongside 
the  Avon;— or,  a  walk  in  Sydney-Gardens— 
the  inviting  level  path  to  the  village  of  Weston — 
visiting  the  shops— libraries— exhibitions,  &c. 
A  peep  at  Pryor-Park,  Claverton-Down,  and 

F 


66  EPITOME,  &C. 

Lansdowu-Hill,  &c.  &c.  After  dinner,  the 
Theatre  becomes  attractive ;  or  to  dash  off  to 
the  Rooms,  where  dancing  and  the  card-table 
tend  to  finish  and  fully  occupy  (almost  as  nume- 
rously as  Caleb  Quotem's  variety  of  callings)  tiie 
time  of  a  fashionable  visitor  at  Bath. 

'Tis  amazing  they  find  such  a  number  of  ways 

Of  employing  his  thoughts  all  the  time  that  he  stays  ! 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  67 


WALK  I. 


From  the  YORK  HOTEL  to  Edgnj--Buildings,  through 
Milsom-Strtet,  (OCTAGON-CHAPEL,)  Bond-Street 
and  Bond  -Street  -Build  ings,  Bur  km-  Street,  and 
Union-Street  (the  GENERAL  HOSPITAL)  to  Stall- 
Street  into  Abbey-Place  (the  ABBEY  and  GREAT 
PUMP-ROOM).  Return  to  Stall-Street  (the  KING'S, 
QUEEN'S,  and  NEW  PRIVATE  BATHS)  through 
Bath-Street.  (CROSS  and  HOT-BATHS  and  the 
EYE  INFIRMARY,)  Het  ling-Court,  (ST.  JOHN'S 
CHAPEL  and  HOSPITAL,)  Westgate-  Buildings, 
(BATH  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY,)  St.  James's 


(BATH  and  BATH  FORUM  FREE-SCHOOL,)  Horse- 
Street,  (the  OLD  BRIDGE).  Back  to  Weymouth- 
Street,  (ST.  JAMES'S  CHURCH,)  Abbey  -Gate-Street, 
(LANCASTLRIAN  SCHOOL,)  Abbey-Green,  Abbey- 
Street,  (KINGSTON  BATHS  and  BATH  LITERARY 
SOCIETY).  Kingston-Buildings,  (the  POST-OFFICE). 
Returning  through  Milsom-Street  to  the  YORK- 
HOTEL. 

Of  all  the  gay  places  the  world  can  afford, 

By  gentle  and  simple  for  pastime  ador*d, 

Fine  balls  and^me  concerts,  fine  buildings  and  springs, 

Fine  walks  and  fine  views,  and  a  thousand  fine  things, 

In  manners,  in  dress,  in  politeness  to  shine, 

O  BATH  !  let  the  art,  let  the  glory  be  thine. 


THE  dejeune  is  scarcely  finished,  when  the  first 
place  of  attraction  that  claims  the  immediate 
attention  of  the  visitor  is  the  GREAT  PUMP- 

F  2 


08  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

ROOM;  not  only,  as  it  were,  to  announce  himself 
to  the  good  people  of  BATH,  but  in  order  to 
recognize  some  intimate  friend  or  acquaintance 
from  the  Metropolis,  or  other  parts  of  the  king- 
dom, in  this  general  place  of  resort  or  showing 
promenade.  The  GREAT  PUMP-ROOM  is  com- 
pletely open  for  the  reception  of  the  public,  no 
etiquette  of  rank  being  required  to  obtain  an 
admission;  and  the  only  qualification  necessary 
to  join  the  gay  throng,  without  ceremony,  is 
that  of  a  clean  decent  appearance.  On  quitting 
the  hotel,  on  the  left,  Edgar- Buildings,  an 
elevated  respectable  terrace,  is  perceived  oppo- 
site to  Milsom- Street ;  and  what  the  west  end  of 
the  metropolis  presents  to  the  inhabitants  of 
London,  the  same  elegant  appearance  of  this 
part  of  the  city  operates  upon  the  minds  of  the 
visitors  of  Bath.  The  similarity  of  feature  is 
obvious.  In  the  height  of  the  season,  Milsom- 
Street  is  the  promenade  of  the  gentlemen,  and 
the  shopping  of  the  ladies :  this  latter  circum- 
stance gives  it  a  splendid  variety : 

The  streets  begin  to  fill,  the  motley  throng 
To  see  and  to  be  seen  now  trip  along  ; 
Some  lounge  in  the  bazars,  while  others  meet 
To  take  a  turn  or  two  in  Milsom-Street ; 
Some  eight  or  ten  round  Mirvan's  shop  remain, 
To  stare  at  those  who  gladly  stare  again  ! 

It  is  the  very  centre  of  attraction,  and  till  the 
hour  of  dinner-time  it  is  the  peculiar  resort  of 
the  beau  monde ;  and  the  familiar  nod,  and  the 
"  how  do  you  do?"  are  repeated  fifty  times  in 
the  course  of  a  morning.  The  street  itself, 
from  its  ascent,  is  elegant  and  imposing;  and, 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  09 

the  houses,  particularly  on  the  left  from  York- 
Buildings,  exhibit  considerable  architectural 
grandeur,  in  consequence  of  several  dwellings 
being  erected  under  one  design.  All  is  bustle 
and  gaiety:  numerous  dashing  equipages  passing 
and  repassing,  others  gracing  the  doors  of  the 
tradesmen;  sprinkled  here  and  there  with  the 
invalids  in  the  comfortable  sedans  and  easy  two- 
wheeled  carriages,  all  anxious  to  participate  in 
this  active  part  of  Bath,  giving  a  sort  of  finish  to 
the  scene.  The  shops  are  tastefully  laid  out;  ca- 
pacious and  elegant;  and  the  addition  of  "from 
London,"  of  course,  is  a  complete  passport  to 
their  excellence  and  superior  articles.  In  short, 
Milsom  and  Bond  Streets  afford  to  the  utmost 
extent  every  thing  towards  supplying  the  real 
or  imaginary  wants  of  the  visitors:  containing 
libraries  to  improve  the  mind — musical  reposi- 
tories to  enrich  their  taste  and  science — confec- 
tioners to  invite  the  most  fastidious  appetite — 
tailors,  milliners,  &c.  of  the  highest  eminence 
in  the  fashionable  world,  to  adorn  the  male,  and 
decorate  and  beautify  the  female,  to  render  the 
form  almost  of  statuary  excelleuce;  and  posi- 
tively, as  the  grand  climax  of  the  rapidity  of  im- 
provement towards  perfection,  in  making  out  of 
an  old— &  complete  new  face.  The  denouement  is 
also  in  point,  in  having  two  good  banking-houses 
near  at  hand  to  support  characters  of  the  above 
description,  who  must  need  so  many  and  frequent 
supplies  to  support  the  arbitrary  dictates  of 
fashion.  The  Octagon  Chapel,  in  this  street,  is 
a  neat  elegant  building,  It  was  opened  in  1767. 
The  organ  is  good ;  and  the  altar-piece,  painted 
by  Mr.Hoare,  representing  the  Pool  of  Bethesda, 


70  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

is  not  only  a  fine  subject,  but  reflects  great 
credit  upon  the  talents  of  the  artist.  Divine 
service  is  performed  here  at  eleven  and  five  every 
Sunday.  The  news  of  the  day  is  also  to  be 
acquired  at  the  libraries  of  Messrs.  Godwin  and 
Duffield,  whose  reading-rooms  render  a  lounge 
most  agreeable  and  pleasant.  On  leaving  Mil- 
som-Street,  you  pass  the  bank  of  Messrs.  Sir  B. 
Hobhouse,  Clutterbuck,  Phillott,  Lowder,  and 
Phillott,  (who  draw  on  Jones,  Lloyd,  and  Co. 
Lothbury,  London,)  and  get  into 

Bond-Street.  It  has  no  thoroughfare  for  car- 
riages; is  much  narrower  than  Milsom- Street ; 
and  pavement  extends  all  over  it.  It  is  similar 
to  Cranbourne-Alley,  in  London.  The  shops  are 
extremely  elegant,  and  well  furnished:  the  library 
and  reading-rooms  of  Mr.  Barrett  is  situated 
here ;  and  also  the  Society  for  promoting  Chris- 
tian Knowledge.  This  society,  which  is  a  branch 
of  the  ancient  institution  of  the  one  held  in  Bart- 
lett's  Buildings,  Holborn,  London,  has  not  only 
furnished  all  the  public  charities  and  prisons  in 
Bath  with  Prayer-books,  religious  tracts,  &c. 
gratuitously;  but  the  poor  inhabitants  of  nume- 
rous parishes  have  been  also  supplied  with 
books  to  explain  the  Scriptures,  agreeably  to 
the  doctrines  of  the  established  church.  Sub- 
scriptions are  opened  at  the  banks  and  libraries 
to  extend  the  views  of  this  Society.  C.  Lowder, 
Esq.  is  the  treasurer,  one  of  the  firm  of  the 
Milsom-Street-Bank.  At  the  end  of  this  street, 
is  Bladud-bank,  under  the  firm  of  Messrs.  Tuff- 
nell,  Collett,  Payne,  Hope,  and  Watts,  who  draw 
upon  Jones  and  Co.  Lothbury,  in  London. 
Through  a  small  passage  is  Bond- Street- Build- 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  71 

ings,  which  contains  some  good  houses  and 
shops.  On  the  left  is  Burton-Street  leading  to 
Union-Street.  This  latter  is  wide  and  capacious, 
and  has  a  good  appearance.  The  progress  of 
the  visitor  is  here  animatedly  arrested  in  viewing 
the  GENERAL  HOSPITAL,  situated  at  the  north- 
west end  of  this  street,  stretching  to  the  corner 
of  Parsonage-Lane ;  an  institution  that  reflects 
the  highest  credit  upon  the  inhabitants  of  this 
City,  more  especially,  from  the  very  liberal  and 
real  charitable  principles  upon  which  it  is  found- 
ed. The  residents  of  Bath  only  are  excluded 
from  partaking  of  its  benefits ;  but  it  is  open  for 
the  reception  of  the  sick-poor  from  all  parts  of 
England  and  Ireland,  to  whom  the  waters  of 
Bath  may  be  applied  with  service.  The  old 
adage  observes,  that  "  charity  covereth  a  multi- 
tude of  sins ;"  and  upon  this  construction  the 
celebrated  Beau  NASH,  who  had  the  honour  of 
suggesting  the  idea  of  its  foundation  in  1715,  is 
considered  to  have  wiped  off"  a  number  of  his 
failings.  In  consequence  of  some  difference  of 
opinion,  the  plan  lay  dormant  till  1738,  when  it 
was  resumed  with  vigour  by  the  Right  Hon. 
William  Pulteney,  afterwards  Earl  of  Bath,  un- 
der whose  patronage  Mr.  Wood,  the  architect, 
completed  its  erection.  The  first  stone  was 
laid  by  the  above  nobleman,  bearing  the  follow- 
ing inscription: — 

"  This  stone 

Is  the  first  which  was  laid  in  the  foundation  of 
THE  GENERAL  HOSPITAL, 

July  the  6th,  A.D.  1738. 
God  prosper  the  charitable  undertaking." 

The  GENERAL  HOSPITAL  has  the  appearance 


72  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

of  a  substantial  mansion,  of  the  Ionic  order,  and 
built  on  the  site  of  the  old  theatre.  It  is  100 
feet  in  length,  and  90  in  depth ;  and  well  calcu- 
lated to  answer  all  the  purposes  for  which  it  was 
designed.  It  was  opened  for  the  reception  of 
patients  in  1742 ;  but  an  act  of  parliament  was 
previously  obtained  in  1739,  declaring  the  trus- 
tees a  corporate  body,  under  the  title  of  the 
"  President  and  Governors  of  the  General  Hos- 
pital or  Infirmary  of  Bath."  It  is  worthy  of 
remark,  that  no  partiality  is  suffered  to  exist  in 
this  charitable  institution ;  and  that  the  objects 
of  its  care  are  admitted  in  rotation,  as  their 
names  appear  in  the  book.  It  is  capable  of 
containing  133  patients.  It  is  supported  by 
voluntary  contributions ;  and  twice  a  year  col- 
lections are  made  at  the  various  religious  places 
in  Bath.  All  the  free-stone  and  other  materials 
necessary  for  its  erection  were  generously  sup- 
plied by  the  late  Ralph  Allen,  Esq.  The  Hon. 
and  Right  Rev.  the  Bishop  of  Gloucester  is  the 
president.  In  order  to  give  publicity  to  a  cha- 
rity founded  upon  such  very  liberal  principles, 
offering  assistance  to  the  sick-poor  from  all 
parts  of  the  kingdom,  the  following  conditions 
of  admission  into  the  General  Hospital  are  here 
inserted : — 

I. — The  case  of  the  patient  must  be  described  by  some 
physician  or  person  of  skill,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
place  where  the  patient  has  resided  for  some  time  ;  and  this 
description  must  be  sent,  franked  or  post  paid,  directed  to 
the  Register  of  the  General  Hospital  at  Bath. 

The  age  and  name  of  the  patient  ought  to  be  mentioned 
in  the  description  of  the  case  ;  and  the  persons  who  describe 
it  are  desired  to  be  particular  in  the  enumeration  of  the 
symptoms :  so  that  neither  improper  cases  may  be  admitted, 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  73 

nor  proper  ones  rejected,  by  the  physicians  and  surgeons, 
who  always  examine  and  sign  the  cases  as  proper  or  impro- 
per, previous  to  their  being  laid  before  the  weekly  committee. 
If  the  patient  has  any  fever  upon  him,  as  long  as  the  fever 
continues  he  will  be  deemed  improper.  Patients  with 
coughs,  attended  with  pain  in  the  chest  or  spitting  of  blood, 
arc  improper ;  as  also  those  with  abscesses  or  with  any  ex- 
ternal ulcers,  until  such  ulcers  are  healed. 

From  want  of  attention  to  the  foregoing  particulars,  and 
notwithstanding   the   cautious  frequently   given  by 
printing  the  coitditions  of   admission  in  the  public 
papers,  very   imperfect   descriptions  of   cases  have 
been  and  are  still  sent,  and  many  patients  have  been 
discharged  as  improper  soon  after  their  admission,  to 
the  disappointment  of  the  patient  thus  sent. 
II. — After  the  patient's  case  has  been  thus  described  and 
sent,  he  must  remain  in  his   usual  place  of  residence  till  he 
has  notice  of  a  vacancy,  signified  by  a  letter  from  the  Re- 
gister, accompanied  with  a  blank  certificate. 

III. — Upon  the  receipt  of  this  letter  the  patient  must  set 
forward  for  Bath,  bringing  with  him  this  letter  ;  the  parish 
certificate,  duly  executed  by  the  minister  and  parish  officers 
where  such  patient  is  legally  settled,  and  attested  before  two 
justices  for  the  county  or  city  to  which  the  patient  belongs ; 
and  ,,£5  caution-money,  if  from  any  part  of  England  or 
Wales ; — but,  if  the  patient  come  from  Scotland  or  Ireland, 
then  the  caution-money  to  be  deposited  before  admission  is 
the  sum  of  £5. 

IV. — Soldiers  may,  instead  of  parish  certificates,  bring  a 
certificate  from  their  commanding- officer,  signifying  to  what 
corps  they  belong,  and  that  they  shall  be  received  into  the 
same  corps  when  discharged  from  the  Hospital,  in  whatever 
condition  they  are ;  and  the  same  is  expected  from  the  Go- 
vernors of  the  Chelsea  and  Greenwich  Hospitals,  respecting 
their  pensioners.  But  it  is  necessary  that  their  cases  be  de- 
scribed, and  sent  previously  j  and  that  they  bring  £3  cau- 
tion-money. 

The  intention  of  the  caution-money  is  to  defray  the  ex- 
penses of  returning  the  patients  after  they  are  discharged 
from  the  Hospital,  or  of  their  burial  in  case  they  should  die 
there. — The  remainder  of  the  caution-money,  after  these 


74  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

expenses  are  defrayed,  will  be  returned  to  the  person  who 
deposited  it. 

All  poor  persons  coming  to  Bath  under  pretence  of  getting 
into  the  Hospital,  without  having  their  cases  thus  described 
and  sent  previously,  and  leave  given  them  to  comc>  will  be 
treated  as  vagrants,  as  the  act  of  parliament  for  the  regula- 
tion of  the  Hospital  requires. 

N.B.  If  any  patient  should  have  the  small-pox  here,  such 
persons  must  be  removed  out  of  the  house,  and  the  caution- 
money  defray  the  expenses  thereof.  Likewise,  all  persons 
who  shall  come  into  the  hospital  without  decent  and  necessary 
apparel,  must  have  such  necessaries  provided  out  of  the  cau- 
tion-money. 

In  this  street  the  Bath  and  Cheltenham  Ga- 
zette is  published  every  Tuesday  evening.  On 
quitting  Union-street,  in  a  straight  line  is 

Stall-Street,  which  is  but  a  narrow  thorough- 
fare, although  leading  to  and  surrounded  with 
numerous    interesting  objects.      Opposite    the 
White-Hart-Inn  is  a  very  handsome  stone  por- 
tico, at  a  small  distance  from  the  GREAT  PUMP 
ROOM,    for  the  reception  and  plying-place  of 
chairs,  in  order  to  accommodate  the  company 
who   frequent  this   fashionable   promenade,   as 
well  as  to  remove  the  noise  of  the  chairmen. 
From  Stall-Street  this  portico  has  an  attractive 
effect;    and,   in   passing   under  it  into  Abbey- 
Place,  which  has  a  very  extensive  broad  pave- 
ment, and  surrounded  by  some  elegant  shops, 
the  PuMP-RooM  appears  upon  the  right,  and 
also  the  front  door  (or  west  end,  which  is  richly 
ornamented)  of  the  fine  venerable  ABBEY  bursts 
upon  the  eye  of  the  visitor.     This  is  the  grand 
entrance  to  the  Cathedral  Church  of  St.  Peter 
and  Paul;  and  in  rich  canopied  niches  are  the 
statues  of  the  above  patron  saints.    The  window 
over  the  above  door  possesses  great  richness  and 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  75 

beauty.  This  ancient  pile  of  architecture  is 
one  of  the  last  specimens  of  the  ecclesiastical 
Gothic.  It  was  founded  by  king  Osric,  in  676; 
but,  after  falling  into  a  state  of  great  decay,  it 
was  begun,  in  its  present  form,  in  the  year  1495, 
in  the  reign  of  Henry  VII.  by  Oliver  King, 
bishop  of  the  diocese,  in  consequence  of  a  pious 
vision,  and  completed  by  Bishop  Montague, 
in  the  reign  of  James  I.  From  east  to  west  it  is 
210  feet  in  length;  and  from  north  to  south 
126.  The  breadth  of  the  body  and  side  ailes  is 
72  feet;  and  the  height  of  the  tower  120, 
which  contains  an  excellent  peal  of  ten  bells! 
It  is  a  most  elegant  interesting  structure;  and 
viewed  as  a  parochial  church,  it  is  without  an 
equal  in  England.  Divine  service  is  read  every 
day  at  eleven  in  the  forenoon,  which  is  support- 
ed by  voluntary  contributions  of  the  company 
visiting  Bath.  It  has  fifty-two  windows,  and 
this  church  was  formerly  called  the  "  lantern  of 
England."  The  "  Society  of  Antiquaries"  have 
been  elaborate  in  their  description  of  this  abbey; 
and  it  has  also  claimed  the  peculiar  research 
and  investigation  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  WARNER, 
who  thus  interestingly  describes  its  interior: — 
"  The  eye  on  entering  the  church  is  immediately 
directed  to  the  roof,  singular  in  its  design  and 
beautiful  in  its  execution.  This  consists  of  two 
parts,  the  nave  and  the  choir.  Of  these,  the 
former  is  evidently  of  later  construction  than 
the  latter.  It  is  separated  from  the  side  aisles 
by  twelve  clustered  pillars  supporting  elliptic 
arches;  is  of  great  opening  and  very  flat,  the 
span  being  only  30  feet  3  inches,  and  the  eleva- 
tion only  3  feet.  The  singularity  of  this  piece 


76  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

of  masonry,  which  sets  modern  art  at  defiance, 
consists  in  this  circumstance  —  that  the  ribs, 
which  compose  the  tracery  of  the  ceiling,  are 
the  only  solid  work;  the  intermediate  spaces 
have  been  originally  cut  through  and  left  open, 
and  filled  up  slightly  in  after  times  with  common 
lath  and  plaster.  The  roof  of  the  choir  rises 
considerably  higher  than  that  of  the  nave,  al- 
though the  groins  of  the  former  are  greatly  the 
lower  of  the  two.  It  of  course  makes  a  much 
sharper  arch,  and  exhibits  in  its  spreading  ribs 
a  pattern  of  most  beautiful  ramification.  The 
choir,  which  is  now  fitted  up  like  a  common 
parish  church,  (with  the  addition  of  a  throne  for 
the  bishop  when  he  visits  Bath,)  is  separated 
from  the  nave  by  a  wooden  screen,  supported  by 
stone  pillars,  and  surmounted  by  an  organ  of 
most  exquisite  tone.  Near  the  altar-piece  is  an 
admirable  specimen  of  architecture  in  the  little 
monumental  chapel  of  Prior  Bird,  who  died  in 
1525.  This  oratory  consists  of  two  arched  divi- 
sions, impost,  entablature,  and  octangular  but- 
tresses, all  elaborately  ornamented  with  fanciful 
traceries  and  other  decorations.  At  the  left  or 
south-west  angle  of  the  chapel  are  two  ranges 
of  beautiful  niches  stringing  from  the  impost  and 
terminating  with  pen-nailes  and  spires,  evidently 
intended  for  figures ;  at  present,  however,  they 
have  no  tenants." 

'Tis  dreadful ! 

How  reverend  is  the  face  of  this  tall  pile, 
Whose  ancient  pillars  rear  their  marble  heads, 
To  bear  aloft  its  arch'd  and  pondrous  roof! 
By  its  own  weight  made  stedfast  and  immoveable. 
Looking  tranquilly,  it  strikes  an  awe 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  77 

And  terror  to  my  aching  sight !  The  tombs 
And  monumental  cases  of  death  look  cold, 
And  shoot  a  chillness  to  my  trembling  heart. 

If  the  eye  is  charmed  with  the  superior  archi- 
tecture of  the  exterior,  and  the  grand  appear- 
ance it  displays,  how  much  more  is  the  mind 
gratified  on  entering  this  sacred  repository  of 
the  dead,  in  wandering  amidst  the  tombs  of  so 
many  departed  great  characters?  A  pleasing 
melancholy  pervades  the  frame,  and  the  senses 
seem  lost  in  a  reverie  with  the  surrounding  ob- 
jects. The  monuments  are  numerous,  and,  in 
general,  admirably  executed ;  and  many  of  them, 
for  beauty  of  design  and  elegance  of  sculpture, 
reflect  great  credit  upon  the  different  artists  under 
whose  particular  care  they  have  been  executed. 
The  solemnity  of  the  scene  altogether  conveys 
a  sublime  and  wholesome  truth,  that  the  observer 
cannot  shrink  from,  if  properly  applied,  in  ope- 
rating as  a  useful  lesson  towards  the  improve- 
ment of  life  from  the  serious  examples  before 
him.  The  reflection  is  impressive  and  awful, 
that  however  great  in  power — splendid  in  for- 
tune— the  blessings  of  health  and  strength— and 
all  the  pride  and  vain-glory  of  man,  in  remem- 
bering that  the  HERO,  who  had  dispersed  armies, 
reduced  cities,  and  made  nations  tremble  at  his 
nod — the  TYRANT  who  had  been  the  terror  of 
his  reign — the  HISTORIAN  who  had  claimed  at- 
tention from  his  extensive  knowledge  in  handing 
down  to  posterity  the  events  of  his  own  and 
past  times, — the  POET  who  had  inspired  with 
his  lays,  and  breathed  out  in  amorous  poesies, 
the  softer  ecstasies  of  love — the  PLAYER  who 
had  strutted  and  fretted  his  hour  to  overwhelm- 


78  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

ing  applause— and  the  STATESMAN,  whose  ani- 
mated oratory  in  defence  of  his  country,  had 
rivetted  the  attention  of  an  admiring  senate — 
that  all  our  consequence  and  pretensions  are 
in  an  instant  lost  sight  of  by  that  awful  monitor 
—DEATH! 

General  Wade,  one  of  the  representatives  of 
the  City,  in  the  year  1725,  gave  a  very  elegant 
altar-piece,  representing  the  Wise  Men's  Offer- 
ing. It  has  also  a  fine-toned  organ;  and,  in 
addition  to  the  above  attractions,  its  monuments 
are  not  only  numerous,  but  of  the  most  interest- 
ing description;  and  the  chissels  of  NOLLEKENS 
and  BACON,  in  several  instances,  display  some 
exquisite  touches  of  sculptural  excellence,  as 
well  as  the  pen  of  the  poet  exerted  with  consi- 
derable feeling  and  ability. 

The  admirers  of  theatrical  talent  are  stopped 
in  their  progress  through  this  venerable  mansion 
of  the  dead  by  the  monument  of  JAMES  QUIN, 
Esq.  which  has  a  striking  likeness  of  this  once 
great  actor.  It  has  also  under  it  a  mask  and 
dagger,  representing  Tragedy  and  Comedy. 

OB.  M,DCC,LXVI. — ^Etatis  LXXIII. 
"  That  tongue  which  set  the  table  on  a  roar, 
And  charra'd  the  public  ear,  is  heard  no  more  : 
Closed  are  those  eyes,  the  harbingers  of  wit, 
Which  spake  before  the  tongue,  what  Shakspeare  writ : 
Cold  is  that  hand,  which  living,  was  stretch'd  forth, 
At  friendship's  call,  to  succour  modest  worth  : 
Here  lies  JAMES  QUIN  :  deign,  reader,  to  be  taught, 
Whate'er  thy  strength  of  body,  force  of  thought, 
In  nature's  happiest  mould,  however  cast, 
To  this  compkxion  thou  must  come  at  last. 

D.  GARRICK. 

Near  the  entrance  from  the  west  door,  on  a 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  79 

plain  tablet  of  black  marble,  encircled  with 
white  drapery,  with  a  few  musical  notes  at  the 
top  of  it,  the  following  lines,  by  two  eminent 
vocal  performers,  are  placed  in  remembrance  of 
a  great  teacher  of  music,  whose  talents  had  so 
often  delighted  the  refined  circles  of  Bath,  and 
under  whose  superior  tuition  the  first  singers  of 
the  age  had  been  completed :  — 

O    RO    8UPPLEX    ET    ACCLINIS,  &C. 

Near  this  place  the  remains  of 

VENANZIO  RAUZZINI,  a  native  of  Rome, 

Distinguished  as  a  vocal  performer 

On  the  Continent  and  in  England, 

Whose  judicious  abilities  for  30  years, 

In  conducting  the  musical  department 

Of  this  city, 

Amply  gratified  the  applauding  public. 

And  whose  ever  gracious  deportment 

Conciliated  their  zealous  affections. 

This  tributary  memorial 

Was  erected  by  his  affectionate  pupils, 

ANNA  SELINA  STORAGE  AND  JOHN  BRAHAM, 

Promoted  by  their  friendship  and 

Grateful  respect  for  professional  merit 

And  liberality  of  sentiment. 

Aged  62  years. 

To  THE  LADIES,  the  following  monument 
is  of  the  most  interesting  nature ;  and  although 
it  may  fall  to  the  lot  of  but  few  of  the  fair  sex  to 
realize  such  perfections  as  are  described  on  this 
inscription,  it  nevertheless  offers  a  most  laud- 
able stimulus  to  them,  to  "  go  and  do  likewise" 
in  order  to  obtain  a  similar  superior  character: — 

"  In  memory  of  REBECCA  LEYBORNE, 
Interred  at  the  foot  of  this  pillar, 

Born  June  the  4th,  1698. 
Deceased  February  18,  1756. 


84  \\ALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

A  wiJ'c  more  than  twenty  -three  years  to  Rubett  Leyboi  ue, 

D.D. 

(Rector  of  the  Churches  of  St.  Dunstan,  Stepney, 
And  of  St.  Ann's,  Middlesex,  near  London, 

And  Principal  of  Alban-Hall,  in  Oxford) 
Who  never  saw  her  once  ruffled  -with  anger, 

Or  heard  her  utter  even  a  peevish  word  ; 

Whether  pained,  or  injured,  the  same  good  woman, 

In  whose  mouth,  as  in  whose  character, 

Was  no  contradiction : 

Resigned,  gentle,  courteous,  affable  ; 

Without  passion,  though  not  without  sense  : 

She  took  offence  as  little  as  she  gave  it, 

She  never  was  or  made  an  enemy  ; 

To  servants,  mild;  to  relations,  kind; 

To  the  poor,  a  friend  ;  to  the  stranger,  hospitable  ; 

Always  caring  how  to  please  her  husband, 
Yet  not  less  attentive  to  the  one  thing  needful. 

How  few  will  be  able  to  equal 
What  all  should  endeavour  to  imitate !" 

The  name  of  FIELDING  is  so  attractive  to  tin- 
lovers    of    literature,    that    any     circumstance 
attached  to  it  cannot  fail  of  claiming  great  re 
spect  and  attention.   The  following  monument  is 
dedicated  to  the  authoress  of  David  Simple:-* 

"  In  this  city  lived  arid  died  SARAH,  second  daughter  oi 
General  Henry  Fielding ;  by  his  first  wife, 

daughter  of  Judge  Gould  ; 

Whose  writings  will  be  known, 

As  incentives  to  virtue,  and  an  honour  to  her  sex, 

When  this  marble  shall  be  dust. 
She  was  born  MDCCXIV.  and  died  April  MDCCLXVIII. 

Her  unaffected  manners,  candid  mind, 

Her  heart  benevolent,  and  soul  resign'd, 

Were  more  her  praise,  than  all  she  knew  or  thought, 

Though  Athens'  wisdom  to  her  sex  she  taught. 

The  Rev. .Dr.  John  Hoadly,  her  friend,  for  the  honour  of  the 
dead,  and  emulation  of  the  living,  inscribes  this  deficient 
memorial  of  her  virtues  and  accomplishments. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  81 

The  remains  of  the  celebrated  BEAU  NASH 
lay  many  years  without  any  monument  to  record 
his  exertions  in  favour  of  the  city  of  Bath,  and 
perhaps  he  might  have  been  entirely  forgotten 
iiad  it  not  have  been  for  the  ingenious  and  learned 
Dr.  HARRINGTON,  who  promoted  a  subscrip- 
tion for  such  a  purpose,  and  thus  rescued  the 
above  HERO  OF  FASHION  from  total  oblivion. 
A  plain  neat  monument,  with  the  following  in- 
scription, has  been  erected  to  his  memory:  — 

, 

"   ADESTE    O    GIVES,    ADESTE    LUGENTES! 
HIC    SILENT    LEGES 

RICARDI  NASH,  ARM1G. 

NIIIIL    AMTLIUS    IMPERANTIS; 

QUI    DIU    ET    UTILISSIME 

ASSUMPTUS    BATHONIJE 

ELEGANTI^E    ARBITER 

EHEU! 

MORTI  (ULTIMO   DESIGXATORI) 

HAUD   INDECORE   SUCCUBUIT 
ANN.   DOM.   MDCCLXI.   *TAT.   SVJE   LXXXVII. 

BEATUS  II.LE  QUI  SIBI  IMPERIOSUs! 
If  social  virtue  make  remembrance  dear, 

Or  manners  pure  on  decent  rule  depend, 
To  his  remains  one  grateful  tear, 

Of  youth  the  guardian,  and  of  all  the  friend. 
Now  sleeps  dominion  ;  here  no  bounty  flows  ; 
Nor  more  avails  the  festive  scene  to  grace, 
Beneath  that  hand  which  no  discernment  shows, 

Untaught  to  honor,  or  distinguish  place." 
Under  this  inscription  is  cut,  in  marble,  the  arm  of  Death 
striking  his  dart  at  a  falling  crown  and  .sceptre,  with 

the  motto — 
"  JEqun  put  sat  munu" 

A  marble  monument,  finished  in  Bacon's  best 
style,  with  the  inscription  written  by  Anna 
Seward,  on  the  north  side  of  the  altar,  is  not 
only  very  attractive  from  these  qualities,  but 

G 


8*2  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

from  the  recollection  of  the  lady  to  whom  it  is 
dedicated,  in  being  a  highly  respected  public 
character  in  Bath. 

"  Near  this  monument  are  deposited  the  remains  of  LADY 
MILLER,  wife  to  Sir  John  Miller,  bart.  of  Batheaston 
Villa ;  she  departed  this  life  at  the  Hotwells  of  Bristol, 
the  24th  of  June,  1781,  in  the  41st  year  of  her  age. 

"  Devoted  stone !  amidst  the  wreck  of  time, 

Uninjur'd  bear  thy  MILLER'S  spotless  name  : 
The  virtues  of  her  youth  and  ripened  prime, 
The  tender  thought  th'  enduring  record  claim. 

"  When  clos'd  the  num'rous  eyes  that  round  this  bier 

Have  wept  the  loss  of  wide-extended  worth, 
O  gentle  stranger,  may  one  gen'rous  tear 

Drop,  as  thou  bendest  o'er  this  hallow'd  earth  ! 

"  Are  truth  and  genius,  love  and  pity  thine, 

With  lib'ral  charity  and  faith  sincere  ? 
Then  rest  thy  wand'ring  step  beneath  this  shrine, 
And  greet  a  kindred  spirit  hov'ring  near." 

A  volume  would  scarcely  suffice  to  detail  the 
monuments  in  this  venerable  abbey,  among 
which  will  be  found,  well  worthy  of  notice,  those 
of  Mr.  Walsh  Porter;  Dr.  Sibthorpe;  H.  Katen- 
camp,  and  Governor  Pownal ;  the  classic  Mel- 
moth  ;  Sir  William  Draper,  &c.  The  ABBEY, 
whenever  leisure  offers,  may  be  again  visited  with 
increased  attention  and  profit. 

On  quitting  this  receptacle  for  the  dead,  but 
a  few  yards,  of  which  the  lady  in  ANSTEY'S  New 
Bath  Guide,  thus  expresses  herself: — 

Declar'd  she  was  shock'd  that  so  many  should  come, 
To  be  doctor'd  to  death,  such  a  distance  from  homt, 
At  a  place  where  they  tell  you  that  water  alone 
Can  cure  all  distempers  that  ever  were  known! 

The  scene  from    "  grave  to  GAY  "   is   now 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  83 

changed  with  almost  the  general  celerity  of  har- 
lequin's bat,  and  epitaphs  and  monumental  inscrip- 
tions no  longer  operate  upon  the  feelings,  but  are 
banished  for  the  lively  gaiety  which  the  fashion- 
able throng  and  music  affords  to  the  mind  of 
the  spectator  upon  setting  his  foot  into  the 
Great  Pump-Room : 

Ods-bobs!  how  delighted  I  was  unawares, 

With  the  fiddler  T  heard  in  the  room  above  stairs ; 

For  music  is  whoU'somo,  tli<>  doctors  all  think, 

For  ladies  that  bathe,  and  tor  ladies  that  drink  ; 

And  that's  the  opinion  of  Robin,  our  driver, 

Who  whistles  his  nags  while  they  stand  at  the  river ; 

They  say  it  is  right  that  for  every  glass 

A  tune  you  should  take  that  the  water  may  pass; 

So  while  little  Tubby  was  washing  her  rump, 

The  ladies  kept  drinking  it  out  of  a  pump* 

The  GREAT  PUMP- ROOM  was  originally 
built  under  the  auspices  of  Mr.  Nash,  in  1704; 
in  1751  it  was  enlarged;  and,  in  1780,  its  hand- 
some portico,  stretching  in  a  northerly  direction, 
was  added  to  it.  The  elegant  western  frontis- 
piece, which  is  a  considerable  ornament  to  the 
structure,  appeared  in  1791.  The  Old  Pump- 
Room  was  taken  down  in  170(>,  and  the  present 
handsome  building  was  erected  upon  its  site,  at 
the  expense  of  the  corporation.  In  1813  it  also 
received  fresh  painting,  and  tasteful  improve- 
ment. It  is  in  length  (jO  feet;  but,  including 
the  recesses  at  the  ends  of  the  room,  it  is  85. 
In  width  46  feet,  and  34  high.  The  interior  is 
set  round  with  three-quarter  columns  of  the  Co- 

*  With  all  due  deference  to  this  playful  and  lively  satir- 
ist, upon  inquiry  it  turns  ont  that  he  has  exercised  his  wit 
somewhat  at  the  expense  of  truth. 

G  2 


84  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

rinthian  order,  crowned  with  an  entablature, 
over  which  is  a  covering  of  five  feet.  The  light 
is  conveyed  into  it  by  two  ranges  of  windows. 
A  time-piece,  given  by  the  late  Mr.  TOMPTON,  is 
placed  in  the  recess  at  the  east  end.  A  marble 
statue  of  NASH,  by  Hoare,  is  also  seen  in  the 
niche  contiguous  to  the  above.  A  gallery  for 
the  musicians  is  erected  at  the  western  end;  and 
in  the  centre  of  the  southern  side  of  the  room 
is  the  pump,  from  which  the  waters  issue  out  of 
a  marble  vase ;  and  on  each  side  is  a  fire-place. 
The  outside  of  the  building  is  finished  to  corres- 
pond, and  upon  the  architrave  the  following 
Greek  inscription  in  letters  of  gold  appear : 

"  APIZTON  MEN  TAttP," 

which  is  an  extract  from  the  opening  of  the  first 
ode  of  Pindar,  and  bears  the  following  literal 
translation:  — 

"  Water!  of  elements  the  best !" 

By  order  of  the  Governors  of  the  General 
Hospital,  the  following  pathetic  inscription  is 
painted  in  letters  of  gold  upon  the  pump  in  the 
room,  from  the  pen  of  the  late  CHRISTOPHER 
ANSTEY,  Esq. 

«  THE  HOSPITAL 

IN    THIS    CITY, 

Open  to  the  Sick  Poor  of  every  Part  of  the  World, 
To  whose  Cases  these  Waters  are  applicable, 

(The  Pom-  of  Bath  only  cxcepted,) 

Was  first  established,  and  is  slill  supported,  by  the  Charitable 
Contributions  of  the  Liberal  and  Humane. 

"  Oh !  pause  awhile^  who'er  thou  art, 
That  drink'st  this  healing  stream  ; 
If  e'er  compassion  o'er  thy  heart 
Diffus'd  its  heavenly  beam  ; 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  85 

"  Think  on  the  wretch'  whose  distant  lot 

This  friendly  aid  denies ; 
Think  how  in  some  poor  lonely  cot 
He  unregarded  lies ! 

"  Hither  the  helpless  stranger  bring, 

Relieve  his  heartfelt  woe, 
And  let  thy  bounty,  like  this  spring, 
In  genial  currents  flow  : 

"  So  may  thy  years  from  grief,  and  pain, 

And  pining  want,  be  free  : 
And  thou  from  hcav'n  that  mercy  gain 
The  poor  receive  from  thee." 

The  following  lines,  written  by  the  ingenious 
Dr.  Harrington,  in  imitation  of  Spenser,  are 
framed  and  glazed,  and  also  hung  up  near  the 
pump: — 

"  ALWHYLE  ye  drynke,  'midst  age  and  ache  ybent, 
Ah  creepe  not  comfortless  besyde  our  streame, 
(Sweete  nurse  of  hope  ;)  affliction's  downwarde  sente, 
Wythe  styll  smalle  voyce,  to  rouze  from  thryftless  dreame ; 
Each  wyng  to  prune,  that  shyftythe  everie  spraie 
In  wytlesse  flyghte,  and  chyrpythe  lyfe  awaie. 

"  Alwhyle  ye  lave — suche  solace  may  be  founde  ; 

"  Whenkynde  the  hand,  why  'neath  its  healynge  faynte  ? 
"  Payne  shall  recure  the  hearte's  corruptede  wounde  ; 
"  Farre  gonne  is  that  which  feelethe  not  its  playnte. 
"  By  kyndrede  angel  smothe,  BETHESDA  gave 
"  Newe  vyrtues  forthe,  and  felte  her  troubledde  wave." 
"  Thus  drynke,  thus  lave— nor  ever  more  lamente, 
Oure  sprynges  but  flowe  pale  anguishe  to  befriende; 
How  fayre  the  meede  that  followeth  contente  ! 
How  bleste  to  lyve,  aud  fynde  such  anguishe  mende. 
How  bleste  to  dye — when  sufferynge  faithe  makes  sure, 
At  lyfe's  high  founte,  an  everlastyne  cure!" 

EDGAR 

An  excellent  band  of  music,  during  the  sea- 
son, plays  from  one  to  half-past  three  o'clock 


86  WALKS  THROUGH   BATH. 

every  day,  in  this  elegant  and  spacious  room, 
which  is  open  from  an  early  hour  in  the  morning 
till  four  in  the  afternoon;  and,  during  the  time 
of  the  performance  of  the  band,    the  room  is 
well  filled  with  company.     The  remuneration 
for  drinking  the  water  here  is  left  entirely  to  the 
liberality  of   the  visitor;    no    specific  demand 
being  made.     To  those  persons  who  are  fond  of 
bustle  and  gaiety,  this  promenade  in  the  Pump- 
Room  will  be  found   highly  attractive.     In  no 
place  in  Bath  does  an  hour  pass  away  more 
agreeably.      On    quitting  this  lively   scene  for 
Stall- Street,  on  the  left,  is  the  King's  Bath.    It 
is  a  respectable  building,  and  the  dimensions  of 
which  are  65  feet  10  inches,    by   40  feet  10 
inches ;  and  when  at  its  usual  height,  it  contains 
346  tuns,  2  hogsheads,  and  36  gallons  of  water. 
It  is  extremely  convenient  for  bathing;  and  on 
one  side  is  a  covering,  supported  by  a  handsome 
colonnade,  to  shade  the  bathers  from  the  incle- 
mency of  the  weather.     It  has  also  two  rooms, 
for  ladies  and  gentlemen,  in  which  are  pumps 
for  pouring  the  hot  water  on  the  part  affected, 
instead  of  immersing  the  whole  body,  considered 
by  the  physicians  as  far  more  salutary  in  certain 
disorders.   An  apartment  is  also  attached,  where 
the  water  may  be  used  by  the  patient  as  an  in- 
jection, which  is  denominated  the  "  steaming- 
room:"  this  mode  of  application  has  been  found 
of  great  service  in  violent  complaints  of  the  in- 
testines.    This    bath   is   about  eleven  hours  in 
filling :  and  its  heat,  by  Farenheit's  thermometer, 
116  degrees;  and  is  kept  full,  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  public,  from  the  earliest  time  in 
the  morning  till  noon. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  87 

In  1699,  a  statue  of  king  Bladud  was  erected 
in  this  bath,  under  which  is  the  following  in- 
scription : 

Bl,ADUD, 

Son  of  LUD  HUDIBRAS, 
Eighth  King  of  the  Britons  from  BRUTE, 
A  great  Philosopher  and  Mathematician, 

Bred  at  Athens, 

And  recorded  tlie  first  Discoverer  and  Founder  of  these  Baths, 
Eight  Hundred  and  Sixty-three  years  before  CHRIST  ; 

That  is, 
Two  Thousand  Five  Hundred  and  Sixty-two  Years, 

To  the  present  Year, 
One  Thousand  Six  Hundred  and  Ninety-nine. 

The  Queen's  Bath,  so  called  after  Queen 
Anne,  consort  to  James  I.  and  is  attached  to  the 
King's  Bath,  which  is  a  square  of  25  feet,  but 
of  a  lower  temperature,  although  supplied  with 
water  from  it  through  an  arch.  In  the  centre 
of  the  above  bathing  places  stand  the 

New  Private  Baths,  erected  in  1788,  belong- 
ing to  the  corporation,  which  possess  every  com- 
fort and  accommodation  that  can  be  desired. 
The  following  are  the  regulations  established  by 
the  corporation  for  bathing  and  pumping  in  the 
public  and  private  baths. 

"  A  serjeant  shall  not  demand  more  than  threepence  for 
each  time  of  bathing: — A  guide  shall  not  demand  more 
than  one  shilling  for  each  time  of  bathing  : — A  cloth-woman 
shall  not  demand  more  than  threepence  for  each  time  of 
bathing. 

"  Pumping  in  the  King's,  Queen's,  and  Cross  Baths,  2d. 
each  hundred  strokes ;  in  the  private  baths,  3d.  each  hun- 
dred strokes. 

"  Tht  above  fees  are  to  be  understood  so  as  not  to  affect  people 
in  low  circumstances,  or  servants ;  such  being  allowed  to  bathe 
fir  sixpence  only  to  the  guide,  for  linen  and  attendance. 

<f  That  no  serjeant,  bath-gaide,  cloth-woman,  or  chairman, 


88  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

shall  demand  any  thing  of  a  bather  for  his  or  their  entrance 
on  bathing  or  pumping,  which  has  usually  been  demanded 
as  footing-money. 

"  That  sufficient  fires  (at  the  expense  of  the  chamber  of 
the  City)  be  made  in  the  slips ;  to  be  lighted  at  six  o'clock 
in  the  morning  in  the  winter,  and  five  in  the  summer  season, 
and  be  continued  the  usual  hours  of  bathing. 

"  Bathing  to  be  allowed  on  all  holidays,  except  Christmas- 
day  and  Good-Friday  ;  but  not  on  Sunday  mornings— except 
in  cases  of  great  emergency,  when  a  private  bath  is  neces- 
sary." 

The  charges  in  the  New  Private  Baths  and 
hot-bath  are  as  follow  : — 

"  Each  person  bathing  in  the  open  bath  to  pay  Is.  6d. 
for  each  time  of  bathing.  In  the  private  bath,  vapour-bath, 
or  sweating-rooms,  3s.  Bathing  in  the  private  bath,  and 
afterwards  using  the  sweating  room  or  vapour-bath,  4s. 
Pumping,  in  the  bath,  3d  for  one  hundred  strokes  ;  and  at 
the  dry  pump  6d. 

"  The  bath  and  pump  to  be  paid  for  each  time  of  using ; 
and  every  person  bespeaking  a  bath  must  pay  for  the  same, 
though  not  used,  unless  due  notice  be  given,  that  the  bath 
may  be  let  again.  Dresses,  towels,  &c.  included  in  the 
terms. 

"  N.B.  Any  Lady  or  gentleman  having  cau.se  of  complaint 
against  the  attendants  belonging  to  any  of  the  baths,  is  desired 
to  make  such  complaint  known  to  the  magistrates,  at  tJte  Town- 
hall,  any  Monday  morning,  at  twelve  o'clock." 

The  time  people  generally  bathe  in  Jhe  King's 
Bath  and  Cross  Bath  is  between  the  hours  of  six 
and  nine  in  the  morning,  when  there  is  a  fresh 
supply  of  water;  that  which  rises  one  day  being 
discharged  the  next,  by  drains,  into  the  river 
Avon;  by  which  means  the  baths  are  always 
kept  sweet  and  wholesome. 

You  cannot  conceive  what  a  number  of  ladies 
Were  wash'd  in  the  water  the  same  as  our  maid  is : 
How  the  ladies  did  giggle,  and  set  up  their  clacks 
All  the  while  an  old  woman  was  rubbing  their  backs. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  Hi) 

Oh !  'twas  pretty  to  see  them  all  put  cm  their  flannels, 
And  then  take  the  water  like  so  many  spaniels. 
And  though  all  the  while  it  grew  hotter  and  hotter, 
They  swam  just  as  if  they  were  hunting  an  otter. 
'Twas  a  glorious  sight  to  behold  the  fair  sex, 
All  wading  with*  gentlemen,  up  to  their  necks, 
And  view  them  so  prettily  tumble  and  sprawl, 
In  a  great  smoking  kettle,  as  big  as  our  hall  j 
And  to-day,  many  persons  of  rank  and  condition, 
Were  boifd  by  command  of  an  able  physician. 

Bath- Street  is  directly  opposite  to  the  above 
baths,  and  gives  a  sort  of  finish  to  this  part  of 
the  town.  It  is  full  of  excellent  shops,  with  a 
colonnade  on  each  side  of  the  way  for  passengers 
to  walk  under.  At  the  bottom  of  this  street,  in 
the  centre  of  the  road,  stands  the  Cross  Bath, 
an  elegant  edifice,  of  a  triangular  shape;  it  has 
no  private  bath  attached  to  it,  but  it  possesses  a 

*  It  appears,  that,  about  the  middle  of  the  fifteenth  century, 
it  was  the  custom  of  males  and  females  to  bathe  together  in 
puris  naturulibus,  which  was,  at  length,  prohibited  by  Bishop 
Beckyngton,  who  ordered,  by  way  of  distinction,  the 
wearing  of  breechts  and  petticoats.  This  indecency  was 
suppressed,  after  considerable  difficulty,  at  the  end  of  the 
sixteenth  century.  It  also  seems,  that,  about  1700,  it  was 
the  fashion  for  both  sexes  to  bathe  together  indiscriminately; 
and  the  ladies  used  to  decorate  their  heads  with  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  dress,  as  a  mode  of  attracting  attention,  and 
heightening  their  charms.  The  husband  of  a  lady  in  one 
of  the  baths,  in  company  with  Bean  Nash,  was  so  much 
enraptured  with  the  appearance  of  his  wife,  that  he  very 
imprudently  observed.  "  she  looked  like  an  angel,  and  he 
wished  to  be  with  her."  Nash  immediately  seized  him  by 
the  collar,  and  threw  him  into  the  bath  ;  this  circumstance 
produced  a  duel,  and  Nash  was  wounded  in  his  right  arm  : 
it,  however,  had  the  good  effect  of  establishing  the  reputation 
of  Nash,  who,  shortly  afterwards,  became  master  of  the 
ceremonies. 


90  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

neat  pump-room.  The  Hot  Bath,  so  called 
from  the  superior  heat  of  its  waters,  stands 
about  120  feet  south-west  of  the  former,  and  is 
56  feet  square.  It  was  built  by  the  late  John 
Wood,  and  its  accommodations  are  excellent. 
The  pump-room  is  particularly  convenient  for 
the  invalid  to  be  carried  or  wheeled  into,  there 
being  no  steps  to  ascend.  Over  the  pump  is 
placed  the  following  poetry,  from  one  of  the 
poet  laureates : 

"  HYGEIA  broods  with  watchful  wing 
"  O'er  ancient  Badon's  mystic  spring ; 
"  And  speeds  from  its  sulphureous  source 
"  The  steamy  torrent's  secret  course  j 
C{  And  fans  the  eternal  sparks  of  hidden  fire 
"  In  deep  unfathom'd  beds  below, 
"  By  Bladud's  magic  taught  to  glow ; 
"  BLADUD  !  high  theme  of  Fancy's  Gothic  lyre." 

At  all  periods  of  the  year,  it  seems,  the  most 
proper  time  for  bathing  is  in  the  morning  fast- 
ing; but,  before  the  patient  goes  into  either  of 
the  baths,  a  due  preparation  is  necessary.  The 
time  of  remaining  in  the  bath  must  also  be  regu- 
lated by  medical  advice.  So  many  treatises 
have  also  been  written  upon  the  propriety  of 
drinking  these  waters,  that  it  would  swell  out 
these  pages  too  much  to  make  any  extracts  from 
them:  it  will,  therefore,  suffice,  that  it  is  gene- 
rally understood,  in  the  gout  they  strengthen 
the  habit;  in  rheumatisms  of  long  standing,  the 
Bath  waters  afford  most  effectual  relief;  and  in 
indigestion,  they  powerfully  alleviate  the  dis- 
tressing sinkings  of  a  disordered  stomach.  In 
some  cases  of  the  palsy,  they  also  tend  to  give 
new  power  of  motion  to  the  affected  limbs ;  and, 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  91 

in  the  obstructions  and  irregularities  of  the  fe- 
male habit,  the  internal  use  of  these  waters  sel- 
dom fail  in  removing  that  pallid  and  sickly  ap- 
pearance which  these  disorders  generally  occa- 
sion. In  biliary  obstructions  and  in  cutaneous 
eruptions  they  are  known  to  effect  great  cures. 

To  the  right  of  the  Cross  Bath  is  the  Eye- 
Infirmary,  supported  by  voluntary  contributions. 
It  is  of  recent  date,  but  a  most  excellent  esta- 
blishment, and  has  already  proved  of  essential 
benefit  to  those  persons  afflicted  with  bad  eyes. 
Hetling-Court,  which  is  contiguous  to  the 
above  bath,  contains  St.  John's  Chapel,  which  is 
a  neat  building,  and  was  rebuilt,  in  1723,  by 
Mr.  Killegrew.  Divine  service  is  performed 
twice  a  day,  between  the  hours  of  eleven  and 
three.  Annexed  to  this  chapel  is  St.  John's 
Hospital,  dedicated  to  St.  John  the  Baptist, 
founded  in  the  reign  of  Henry  II.  by  Reginald 
Fitz-Jocelain,  bishop  of  this  see,  for  the  support 
of  six  aged  poor  men  and  six  women,  belonging 
to  the  City  of  Bath,  who  have  each  an  apart- 
ment, coals,  and  4*.  8d.  per  week.  The  master 
must  be  a  clergyman  of  the  established  church. 
In  quitting  this  court,  Westgate-Buildings,  a 
plain  neat  row  of  houses,  appear  opposite.  On 
turning  to  the  left  is  the  Yeomanry -Office,  and 
next  door  to  which  is  Hetling- House,  where 
the  Bath  and  West  of  England  Society  for 
the  Encouragement  of  Agriculture,  Arts,  Manu- 
factures, and  Commerce  meet.  It  was  establish- 
ed by  Mr.  Edmund  Rack,  in  1777,  a  native  of 
Norfolk.  The  late  highly  respected  Duke  of 
Bedford  was  one  of  its  presidents ;  and,  to  per- 
petuate his  memory,  a  fine  bust  of  the  duke, 


92  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

done  by  Nollekins,  is  placed  in  the  rooms  be- 
longing to  the  society.     It  is  considered  one  of 
the  first  institutions  of  the  kind  in  England.     A 
subscription  of  one  guinea  per  annum  enables 
a  person  to  become  a  member,  with  the  right  of 
voting.  .The  Marquis  of  Lansdown  is  the  present 
president.     In  crossing  the  road,  the  visitor  ar- 
rives in  St.  James's  Parade,  a  wide  paved  situa- 
tion, but  no  thoroughfare  for  carriages.     It  has 
a  very  respectable  appearance ;  the  houses  on 
both  sides  of  it  are  uniform,  and  it  contains  the 
Quakers'  Meeting-House;  this  latter  building  is 
plain  and  neat,  with  a  capacious  gallery,  and 
completely  characteristic  with  the  ideas  of  this 
friendly  sect  of  people.     In  Corn-Street  is  the 
Bath  and  Bath  Forum  Free  School,  capable  of 
containing  400  children,   nearly  which  number, 
of  all  religions,  have  been  taught  in  it  at  one 
time.     It  is  under  the  patronage  of  the  mayor 
and  corporation  of  Bath:  annual  subscribers  of 
one  guinea  may  recommend  two  boys ;  those  of 
two,  five  boys.     Those  children  who  do  not  be- 
long to  any  regular  Sunday  schools  are  obliged 
to  attend  here  on  the  sabbath-day,  and  attend 
divine  service,  under  the  care  of  a  master,  at  the 
Abbey  Church.     This  Free  School  reflects  the 
highest  credit  on  ihe  City  of  Bath.     The  above 
Parade  leads  to  Horse- Street,  which  is  rather  a 
bustling  thoroughfare,  full  of  shops,  and  business 
forms  its  peculiar  feature.     It  is  the  direct  road 
to  Bristol,  and  the  numerous  stage-coaches  and 
other  vehicles,  continually  passing  and  repassing 
through  it,  render  Horse-Street  more  noisy  and 
less  attractive  than  most  of  the  other  parts  of 
the  City.     On  turning  to  the  right  is  Bradley's 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  93 

Buildings,  but  nothing  of  importance  attracts  the 
eye  of  the  visitor  till  he  shortly  arrives  at  the  Old 
or  Bat h  Bridge,  consisting  of  five  small  arches, 
which  connects  Bath  with  Holloway.     It  is  built 
of  stone,  but  nothing  imposing  about  it,  as  to 
appearance.     Originally   it  was   erected  in  the 
reign  of  Edward  III.  previous  to  which  period, 
the  citizens,  at  great  inconvenience,  were  com- 
pelled to  cross  the  river  with  their  merchandizes 
and  wares,  at  a  ford  a  little  above  it,  and  grant- 
ed to  the  monks  of  Bath  in  1304.     In  1754,  the 
old  bridge  was  pulled  down,  and  the  present 
one,  which  still  retains  the  name  of  "  Old,"  was 
erected  by  the  corporation.     In  returning,  on 
the  other  side  of  the  way  are  the  Exeter  and 
Golden  Lion  Inns,  at  each  of  which  stages  to 
London  and  Bristol  are  continually  calling  for 
passengers,  and  where  good  ordinaries  are  also 
held  daily.     Turning  to  the  right  is  Weymouth- 
Street,    at  the  corner  of  which  is    St.  James's 
Church.     This  place  of  worship  is  built  in  the 
modern  Gothic  style  with  free-stone.   Within  its 
walls  it  is  61  feet  long,  by  58  wide;  and  was  de- 
signed by  Mr.  Palmer,  architect,  of  Bath.     Its 
interior  is  prepossessing;  and  no  monuments  are 
permitted  to  be  erected   to  spoil  the  simplicity 
and  elegance  of  its  general   appearance.     The 
roof  is  supported  by  four  Ionic  columns,  in  the 
middle  of  which  is  an  elegant  lantern,  capable 
of  illuminating  the  whole  church.     The  paint- 
ing over  the  communion-table,  at  the  east  end, 
of  Christ  breaking  the  bread  and  delivering  it  to 
the  disciples  who  journeyed  with  him  to  Emmaus, 
scarcely  meets  the  approbation  of  any  spectator. 
It,    however,   possesses  the   best  organ  in    the 


94  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

City ;  and  has  also  eight  bells  in  the  tower,  at 
the  west  end,  of  a  fine  musical  tone.     It  is  ex- 
tremely well   attended.     Turning   into   Abbey- 
Gate-Street    is    Crutwell's    "  Bath    Chronicle 
Office/'      This  newspaper,    which   was   always 
considered  one  of  the  most  elegant  printed  pro- 
vincial journals  in  the  kingdom,   Mr.  Crutwell, 
in  commemoration  of  her  late  Majesty's  visit  to 
Bath,  had  a  new  type  cast  expressly  on  purpose, 
and  every  thing  to  correspond,  so  as  to  produce 
a  chef-d'ceuvre  in   newspaper  printing,  and  who 
had  the  honour  of  presenting  it  to  her  Majesty, 
who  most  graciously  received  the  same,  and  ex- 
pressed her  approbation,  not  only  upon  this  com- 
pliment offered  to  her  on  her  visit  to  Bath,  but 
of  the  great  improvement  made  in  this  depart- 
ment of  literature.    In  this  street  is  also  situated 
the  Lancasterian  School.     It  is  a  large  circular 
building,  and  well  adapted  for  this  most  excel- 
lent and  quick  mode  of  instructing  youth.     Up- 
wards of  500  children  are  taught  here   gratui- 
tously.    Too  much  praise  cannot  be  bestowed 
upon  an  institution  like  the  above,  which  has  for 
its  object  to  instruct  poor  children  in   reading, 
writing,  and  arithmetic;  and  which  is  supported 
by   charitable   donations.      Proceed    through  a 
small  square,  called  Abbey-Green,  into  Abbey- 
Street.    In  this  latter  place  are  situated  the  well- 
constructed    and  convenient   baths,    called   the 
Duke  of  Kingston's,  or  the  Abbey  Baths,  now 
belonging  to  Earl  Manvers.   The  renter  of  these 
baths  (which  are  supplied  from  the  same  source 
as  the  King's  Bath  and  Great  Pump-Room,  to 
which  they  are  contiguous)   is   Dr.  Wilkinson, 
who  has  paid  peculiar  attention  towards  render- 


AJ&-W  ly  S!u,- 


1 
t- 

•   , 

*  **  * 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  95 

ing  them  convenient  and  extensive  in  their  ap- 
plication, in  every  point  of  view;  and  also  add- 
ing a  very  comfortable  pump-room.  As  a  che- 
mist, Dr.  Wilkinson  is  considered  very  eminent 
in  his  profession ;  and  by  artificial  means  he  has 
produced  waters  with  a  similar  effect  to  those 
of  Harrowgate,  Cheltenham,  and  the  warm 
springs  of  Germany.  Opposite  to  the  Kingston 
Pump-Room  is  a  small  neat  building,  in  which 
the  Bath  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society 
hold  their  meetings. 

Owing  to  the  following  advertisement,  which 
appeared  in  the  Bath  newspapers,  at  the  end  of 
the  year  1815,  the  above  useful  and  intellectual 
Society  met  with  the  most  rapid  patronage  and 
success. 

The  great  advantages  which  have  been  derived  from 
various  scientific  institutions  in  London,  Manchester,  Liver- 
pool, Newcastle,  &c.  have  induced  Dr.  WILKINSON  to 
propose  the  appropriation  of  the  Kingston  Lecture  Room  to 
the  purposes  of  a  similar  institution  in  this  city.  This  room 
U  already  supplied  with  an  extensive  assortment  of  philoso- 
phical and  chemical  apparatus,  furnaces,  &c.  calculated  for 
the  illustration  of  most  subjects  connected  with  the  arts  and 
manufactures. 

It  is  presumed  that  all  ladies  and  gentlemen  interested  in 
any  of  the  various  objects  relative  to  the  different  branches 
of  experimental  philosophy,  chemistry,  geology,  mineralogy, 
and  their  application  to  the  arts,  manufactures,  agriculture, 
&c.  would  derive  considerable  advantages  from  being  mem- 
bers of  a  society,  formed  of  some  who  may  be  acquainted 
with  the  principles  of  the  different  sciences,  and  of  others, 
who,  from  being  engaged  in  commercial  and  manufacturing 
establishments,  are  capable  of  imparting  valuable  practica 
information. 

Hence  it  will  be  desirable  to  have  among  its  members  such 
as,  from  their  occupations,  are  engaged  in  iron  founderies, 
breweries,  glass-houses,  &c.  and  that  all  respectable  commer- 


96  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

cial  and  agricultural  persons  be  deemed  admissible  to  the 
institution. 

To  parents,  it  will  afford  a  desirable  opportunity  of  a 
weekly  rational  recreation  for  their  sons;  by  thus  early  ex- 
panding their  minds,  it  may  contribute  considerably  to  their 
future  respectability  in  society. 

In  consequence  of  the  above  public  invitation, 
a  first  meeting  took  place  on  January  8th,  1816, 
which  was  numerously  attended,  and  the  utility 
of  the  plan  met  with  such  general  approbation, 
that  near  one  hundred  persons  became  members, 
and  agreed  to  the  following  resolutions:  — 

1st, — That  the  meetings  of  the  society  be  on  every  Mon- 
day evening  during  the  year,  excepting  the  months  of  June, 
July,  August,  and  September,  at  half-past  seven,  and  to 
close  at  half-past  nine. 

2d, — The  first  part  of  the  evening,  not  exceeding  one 
hour,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  communication,  from  any  of 
its  members,  of  different  interesting  subjects  connected  with 
the  objects  of  the  society,  and  of  proposals  relative  to  expe- 
riments desired  to  be  tried.  The  remaining  part  of  the 
evening  to  be  devoted  to  the  reading  and  discussion  of  any 
paper  presented  to  the  society,  or  of  any  communication  re- 
lative to  literature,  experimental  philosophy,  chemistry,  geo- 
logy, mineralogy,  mechanics,  &c.  from  any  of  its  members. 

3d, — That  each  member  shall  be  entitled  to  introduce 
each  evening  a  lady,  or  a  young  gentleman,  under  sixteen 
years  of  age  ;  or  may  be  permitted  to  introduce  a  friend,  if 
not  under  the  above  condition,  so  that  the  said  friend  shall 
not  be  introduced  more  than  twice  in  the  same  session. —  \o 
person,  not  a  member,  can  be  admitted  without  a  card  signed 
by  the  member  by  whom  he  is  introduced. 

4th, — That  all  members  of  this  society  are  free  to  ail  the 
lectures  delivered  by  Dr.  Wilkinson,  in  the  Kingston  Lec- 
ture-Room. 

5th, — After  the  first  meeting  of  the  society,  each  person 
subsequently  admitted  a  member  must  be  recommended  by 
two  subscribers  to  the  institution. 

6th, — That  there  be  three  presidents,  a  secretary,  and 
experimentalist. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  97 

7th, — Each  subscriber  to  pay,  on  his  admission,  two  gui- 
neas and  five  shillings,  and  the  same  sum  annually. 

8th, — Visitors  to  Bath  may  be  admitted  as  members  for 
three  months,  upon  being  properly  introduced,  and  paying 
one  guinea  and  five  shillings. 

fcS-  Ladies  and  gentlemen  disposed  to  become  members, 
are  requested  to  have  their  names  entered  in  the  society's 
subscription-book,  at  the  Kingston  Pump-Room. 

The  session  is  from  the  first  Monday  in  October  to  the 
last  Monday  in  May. — The  subscription  of  each  member  to 
be  dated  from  the  period  of  the  name  being  entered  on  the 
book. 

Since  the  short  commencement  of  this  literary 
institution,  not  only  has  much  amusement  been 
derived  from  the  talents  of  its  members,  but 
also  much  practical  good  has  been  obtained 
from  the  various  improvements  pointed  out  in 
chemistry,  mechanics,  &c.  from  their  exertions. 

To  the  right  is  Kingston-Buildings,  in  which 
stands  the  Post-Office,  where,  perhaps,  the  anxi- 
ety to  receive  letters,  the  pleasure  of  perusing 
them,  and  the  necessity  of  taking  refreshment, 
will  hasten  the  return  of  the  visitor  through  Mil- 
som-Street  to  the  YORK-HOTEL,  when  he  will 
doubtless  be  perfectly  satisfied  with  this  day's 
walk,  and  the  interesting  objects  which  have  laid 
claim  to  his  attention. 


98  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH, 


WALK  II. 


From  the  South-Wing  of  Sydney- Place  through  Dar- 
lington-Street,  pass  Church- Street,  (Nsw  CHURCH 
OF  ST.  MARY  BATHWICK).  After  a  short  dis- 
tance on  the  New  Road  to  Widcombe,  turn  down  on 
the  right  and  pass  Waterloo-Gardens.  A  Walk 
alongside  of  the  Avon  to  the  FERRY.  Cross  the 
River  to  tlie  SOUTH  PARADE,  through  Duke- 
Street,  to  the  NORTH  PARADE.  Pass  Pierrepoint- 
Street,  to  the  OLD  ROOMS  ;  from  thence  through 
Orange-Grove,  Church-Street,  into  York-Street 
(NEW  FREEMASONS'  HALL).  Cross  Stall-Street, 
through  Bath-Street,  to  the  BATH  ANTIQUITIES. 
Return  home  by  the  FERRY,  through  Darlington- 
Street,  to  Sydney-Place. 


PRESUMING  the  visitor  to  have  taken  up  his 
residence  at  the  south  wing  of  Sydney-Place,  it 
is  not  improper  to  remark,  that  none  of  the  ad- 
mired buildings  in  Bath  reflect  greater  credit 
upon  the  talents  of  the  various  architects  than 
this  part  of  the  city  and  its  adjoining  streets, 
which  have  to  boast  of  great  beauty  of  elevation, 
and  conveiiiency  of  erection.  Sydney-Place, 
produced  under  the  design  and  superintendence 
of  Mr.  PINCH,  is  a  most  admirable  specimen  of 
modern  architecture,  and  the  uniformity  which 
may  be  formed  of  Bath-stone.  The  above 
houses  are  all  the  production  from  one  quarry, 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

in  which  not  the  least  flaw  or  variety  of  colour 
can  be  discovered:  they  also  form,  as  it  were, 
one  compact  building,  and  the  spectator  feels 
impressed  with  its  pleasing  appearance.  The 
pavement  before  the  houses  is  unusually  broad  ; 
a  carriage- road  also  divides  it  from  Sydney- Gar- 
dens, and  upon  the  whole  it  is  a  desirable  resi- 
dence. On  turning  to  the  left,  through  Darling- 
ton-Street, the  new  church  of  St.  Mary,  at  Bath- 
wick,  bursts  upon  the  spectator  with  a  most 
interesting  effect,  more  especially  from  the 
cream-coloured  freshness  of  the  free  stone.  It 
is  built  after  the  modern  Gothic  style.  The  ex- 
tent of  the  building  is  126  feet  by  60 ;  and,  the 
tower  is  100  feet  high,  containing  eight  bells. 
The  windows  on  each  side  illumine  the  lower 
aisle  and  the  gallery;  but  a  range  of  windows 
are  made  still  higher,  on  a  new  principle,  on  the 
side,  to  throw  in  the  light,  instead  of  windows 
upon  the  top  in  the  form  of  a  skylight.  The 
battlements  are  five  feet  from  the  church ;  and, 
the  four  pinnacles,  at  the  corner  of  the  tower,  are 
fifteen  feet  higher.  The  moulds  for  the  church 
were  cut  by  John  Turby,  a  native  of  Bath.  The 
ceiling  is  of  the  most  beautiful  description.  The 
ground  was  given  by  the  Earl  of  Darlington. 
The  first  stone  of  this  church  was  laid  on 
Thursday,  September  1,  1814,  bearing  the  fol- 
lowing curious  inscription:  — 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest — on  earth  Peace. 
The  most  sanguinary  conflict  ever  recorded  in  the  annals 
of  History  had  ceased,  and  the  downfall  of  Napoleon,  the 
Despot  of  France,  had  taken  place,  when  the  Nations  of 
Europe  became  united  in  the  bond  of  Peace.  At  such  a 
joyful  period,  and  on  the  1st  day  of  September,  in  the  year 

H    2 


100  \VALKSTHROUGHBATH. 

of  our  Lord  1814,  the  foundation-stone  of  Bathwick  New 
Church,  dedicated  to  Saint  Paul,  was  laid. 
The  Right  Hon.  Harry  Earl  of  Darlington,  Lord  of  the  Manor. 
The  Right  Rev.  Richard,  Lord  Bishop  of  the  Diocese. 

The  Rev.  Peter  Gunning,  Rector. 
Mr.  Jeremy  Wilsher,  Mr.  Edward  Tucker,  Churchwardens. 


Edward  Atkinson,  Esq. 
Edward  Barlow,  M.D. 
Mr.  James  Christie. 
Mr.  Thomas  Cotteli. 
Mr.  George  EviJl. 
Wyridham  Goodden,  Esq. 


COMMITTEE. 


Mr.  Thomas  Gibbons. 
J.  Leaper  Newton,  Esq. 
Mr.  Robert  Offer. 
Mr.  William  Price. 
John  Rye,  Esq. 
Mr.  William  Wilsher. 


Mr.  James  Goodridge. 

Mr.  James  Goodridge — Mr.  W.  Price,  Building-Surveyors. 
Mr.  Walter  Harris,  Builder.— Mr.  J.  Pinch,  Architect. 
Mr.  Samuel  Evill,  Conscripsit. — W.  Gingell,  Sculpsit. 

The  removal  of  the  OLD  CHURCH  of  Bath- 
wick,  which  was  in  a  most  ruinous  state,  and 
also  from  the  vast  and  increasing  population  of 
this  extensive  parish  was  found  to  be  much  too 
small,  the  erection  of  the  above  new  elegant 
structure  upon  its  ruins,  not  only  tends  to  give 
an  additional  air  of  importance  to  the  situation 
of  Great  Pulteney -Street,  but  to  render  satisfac- 
tion and  comfort  to  all  its  piously-disposed  in- 
habitants. From  the  very  liberal  subscrip- 
tions which  have  been  received  towards  its 
erection,  it  is  supposed,  scarcely  any  additional 
rates  will  be  levied  upon  the  parishioners. 

On  quitting  Bathwick  Church  the  visitor  pro- 
ceeds along  the  New  Road  to  Widcombe,  in  the 
middle  of  which,  a  path  on  the  right,  through 
the  fields,  leads  to  the  FERRY.  The  venerable 
abbey  is  here  seen  to  much  advantage,  and  the 
elevated  buildings  on  the  other  side  of  the  City 
also  add  to  the  prospect.  Pass  Waterloo-Gardens, 
to  view  which,  threepence  is  charged  for  an  ad- 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  101 

mission ;  it,  however,  may  be  engaged  for  select 
parties.     The  gardens   are   small,    but  contain 
some  pleasing  walks,  and  the  use  of  a  swing.  In 
turning  round  from  this  place,  the  South  Parade 
and  the   OLD  ROOMS   now  appear  to  the  eye 
of  the  spectator.     On  approaching  to  the  river- 
side,   on    the   right    is    a   walk    alongside   the 
Avon  to    Pulttncy- Bridge.     The   surrounding 
view  from  this  precise  spot  is    extremely  pic- 
turesque.    This  bridge,  which  consists  of  three 
arches,  was  erected  by  the  late  Sir  William  Pul- 
teney,  as  a  communication  with  the  City  ;  and 
shops   and  houses  are  erected    upon  each  side 
of  it.     In  passing  over  it,  in  Bridge-Street)  the 
passenger  perceives  no  traces  of  a  bridge ;  and 
it  is  only  along  the  Avon  that  it  is  to  be  dis- 
covered.    On  the  left,  proceeding  towards  the 
Ferry,  a  view  of  Pryor-Park,  and  the  houses  in 
Widcombe,  are  in  front  of  the  visitor,  who  now 
descends   a  flight   of   stone  steps  to  cross  the 
Avon  in  the  boat,  for  which  one  penny  is  de- 
manded.    Drags  and   other  apparatus  are   left 
at  the  Ferry-house,  by  the  Humane  Society,  in 
case  of  any  persons  being  drowned.     On  land- 
ing,  the    South  Parade   is    gained,  which   has 
a  good  look-out ;  the  houses  are  large,  and  have 
a  most  respectable  appearance.     In  the  middle 
of  this  Parade  is  Duke-Street,  which   leads  to 
the  North  Parade,  once  so   much  the  fashion- 
able resort  and  grand  promenade  of  the  visitors 
of  Bath.     It  has  a  very  broad  elegant  terrace, 
and   possesses  an   air  of  much  grandeur,  with 
stone  ballustrades  and  iron- railing.     The  view 
here,  though  not  so  extensive  as  from  many  of 
the  other  lodging  houses,  is  nevertheless  good. 


10-2  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

Pierrepoint-Street,  a  respectable  place  of  resi- 
dence,  is   at   the   end   of  the   Parade.     These 
houses  are  extremely  convenient  for  the  frequen- 
ters of  the  OLD  or  KINGSTON  ROOMS,  which  are 
situated  but  a  few  yards  from  the  North  Parade. 
The   above  original  elegant  suite  of   public 
rooms,   which  form  one  of  the  most  lively  and 
interesting  features  of  Bath,  so  conspicuous  to- 
wards supporting  the  prosperity  of  the  old  city, 
were  formerly  part  of  the  estate  of  the  late  Duke 
of  Kingston,  but  now  belonging  to  Earl  Man- 
vers.     Since  their  first  erection  they  have  under- 
gone a  variety  of  alterations  and  improvements, 
and    in    1750  they  were  almost  rebuilt.      The 
assembly-room  is  90  feet  long,  36  broad,  and  34 
high.     The  card-room  adjoining  to  it  is  60  feet 
in  length,  and  30  in  breadth.     Here  are  also  two 
tea-rooms,  40  feet  by  24  each.     It  has  a  reading- 
room,  well  furnished  with  maps,  books,  reviews, 
newspapers,  &c.     An  apartment  is  also  devoted 
to  the  games  of  chess  and  backgammon;  and 
another  for  billiards.     The   rooms   are  totally 
distinct  from  each  other.     The  terms  are  £1 :  6s. 
for  the  year,  always  ending-  on  the  30th  of  Sep- 
tember; and  for  six  months,  £1.     It  is  now  two 
separate  establishments,  one  of  which  is  elegantly 
fitted   up  for  the  accommodation  of  the   Bath 
and  West  of  England  Club.     The  latter  invite 
the  company  to  the  amusement  of  a  fancy  or 
undress  ball  on  Tuesday,  and  a  dress  ball  on 
Friday  nights,  during  the  winter  season.     There 
is  some  little  variation  in  these  rooms  from  the 
upper.     Those  balls  held  on  Tuesday  nights  are 
continued  to  the  hour  of  twelve;  and,  the  day 
promenade  is  heightened  by  a  most  delightful 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  103 

view  of  the  country  contiguous  to  Bath.  Till 
the  year  1771,  the  KINGSTON  ROOMS  continued 
to  be  the  only  place  of  public  resort ;  but,  upon 
the  opening  of  the  Upper  or  New  Rooms,  the  in- 
fluence and  attraction  of  the  latter,  though  gra- 
dually operating  as  a  great  drawback  to  its  com- 
pany, in  fact  so  seriously,  that  in  1810,  it  was 
deemed  necessary  to  lay  out  a  large  sum  of 
money  in  splendid  decorations,  in  order  to  revive 
and  create  attention.  A  grand  portico  was  also 
added  to  its  entrance,  the  architecture  of  which 
is  particularly  admired :  and  Earl  Manvers  has 
also  made  cairiage-roads  to  this  new  entrance, 
over  part  of  the  North  and  South  Parade.,  and 
also  from  Stall-Street,  at  a  considerable  sacrifice 
of  his  land  and  houses,  in  order  that  "  this  old 
spot"  might  not  suffer  neglect,  and  over  which  the 
English  Roscius  observed,  with  much  animation, 
"  the  genius  of  Bath  would  always  hover  and 
preside."  The  visitor  is  much  delighted  in  view- 
ing these  elegant  rooms,  at  which  the  balls  and 
amusements  are  regulated  by  the  following  rules, 
adopted  at  a  general  meeting  of  the  subscribers, 
who  also  possess  the  exclusive  right  of  voting  at 
an  election  of  Master  of  the  Ceremonies. 
<•  KINGSTON  ASSEMBLY  ROOMS, 
"  November  19th,  1816. 

"   In  order  to  preserve  decorum,  and  maintain  respectability, 
at  the  balls,  at  these  rooms,  resolved, 

"  That  every  ticket  transferred  to  a  lady  shall  bear  the 
name  both  of  the  lady  and  the  subscriber  transferring  the 
same,  otherwise  it  can  on  no  account  be  received. 

"  That  non-subscribers  may  be  admitted  to  the  balls  on 
being  introduced  by  a  subscriber,  or  by  leaving  their  names 
at  the  rooms  for  the  master  of  the  ceremonies. 
"  The  renter  having  agreed  to  furnish  the  music,  viz.  1  harp,  4 

violins,  1  violoncello,  2  clarionets,  and  1  tambourine,  for  thirty 


104  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

balls,  including   the  master  of  the   ceremonies'  winter  and 

spring  bulls,  resolved, 

"  That  these  rooms  shall  be  opened  for  the  reception  of 
the  company  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  a  quarter  of  an 
hour  before  which  time  they  shall  be  regularly  and  properly 
lighted  up ;  and,  the  master  of  the  ceremonies  shall  attend 
to  receive  the  company,  and  an  overture  be  played  by  the 
band  at  half-past  eight  o'clock ;  after  which  the  dancing 
shall  commence,  and  cease  at  twelve  o'clock  precisely,  al- 
though in  the  middle  of  a  dance. 

"  That  the  upper  benches  shall  be  reserved  for  ladies  of 
the  rank  of  peeresses. 

"  That  ladies,  according  to  their  precedence,  shall  be  en- 
titled at  all  times  to  their  appropriate  places  at  the  top  in  the 
set;  but  other  ladies  standing  up  after  the  dance  is  com- 
menced,  shall  take  their  places  at  the  bottom  of  the  set ;  and 
every  lady  who  shall  have  danced  down  the  set,  is  expected 
not  to  sit  down  till  that  dance  shall  be  finished. 

"  That  ladies  may  change  partners  every  two  dances. 

"  That  it  be  left  at  the  option  of  the  ladies  to  dance  with 
whom  they  please}  and  their  declining  any  particular  part- 
ner shall  not  prevent  their  dancing  with  another. 

"  That  no  gentleman  be  admitted  in  boots,  half-boots,  co- 
loured pantaloons,  or  trowsers,  unless  an  officer  in  uniform 
and  on  duty,  and  then  without  their  swords. 

"  That  every  person  pay  sixpence  for  their  tea  on  ball- 
nights. 

"  Ladies  proposing  to  dance  minuets,  shall  announce  their 
intentions  to  the  master  of  the  ceremonies  on  the  day  prece- 
ding the  ball,  and  shall  be  in  the  rooms  appropriately  dressed 
punctually  at  half-past  eight  o'clock. 

"  That  no  person  shall  be  allowed  to  insert  their  names  as 
subscribers,  or  be  admitted  as  visitors  to  these  balls,  who 
carry  on  any  occupation  in  the  retail  line  of  business,  the 
master  of  the  ceremonies'  ball-nights  excepted. 

"  The  master  of  the  ceremonies  shall  use  his  utmost  en- 
deavours to  enforce  the  several  foregoing  resolutions,  and  he 
will  be  supported  by  the  subscribers  in  the  performance  of 
his  duty. 

"  TERMS. — A  subscription  of  14s.  will  entitle  the  sub- 
scriber to  admission  on  each  ball-night. — A  subscription  of 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  105 

L26s.  will  entitle  the  subscriber  to  admission  on  each  ball-night, 
and  also  to  two  tickets  transferable  by  endorsement  to  ladies 
only. 

The  present  master  of  the  ceremonies  is  Cap- 
tain MARSHALL,  who  was  elected  to  this  situa- 
tion in  November,  1817. 

To  the  man,  with  whom  the  merit  originated 
of  rescuing  one  of  the  poorest  cities  in  England 
from  its  poverty  and  obscurity,  and  leaving  it, 
(entirely  from  his  great  exertions,)  not  only  capa- 
ble of  vying  with  the  most  elegant  built  city  in 
Europe,  but  equally  conspicuous  for  the  polite- 
ness of  its  amusements,  and  elegance  of  its  ac- 
commodations, some  small  tribute  of  acknow- 
ledgement is  certainly  due  to  his  memory. 

The  history  of  BEAU  NASH,  however,  has 
been  so  often  written  by  various  hands — his  bon 
mots  repeated  over  and  over  again  in  most  fa- 
shionable companies — and  his  general  character 
so  very  familiar,  more  especially  with  every 
person  the  least  acquainted  with  polished  society, 
that  at  the  present  period,  (1819,)  fifty-two  years 
after  his  death,  it  can  scarcely  be  expected  that 
little,  if  any,  new  matter  can  be  added  to  his 
biography,  arid  that  the  same  beaten  track  re- 
specting this  once  celebrated  HERO  OF  FASHION 
must,  of  necessity,  again  be  trodden,  in  his  con- 
nection with  our  "  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH." 

Long  reign'd  the  great  Nash,  this  omnipotent  lord, 

Respected  by  youth,  and  by  parents  ador'd. 

For  him  not  enough  at  a  ball  to  preside, 

The  unwary  and  beautiful  nymph  would  he  guide; 

Oft  tell  her  a  tale,  how  the  credulous  maid, 

By  man,  perfidious  man,  is  betray 'd; 

Taught  Charity's  hand  to  relieve  the  distress'd, 

While  tears  have  his  tender  compassion  express'd. 


106  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

But,  alas  !  he  is  gone,  and  the  city  can  tell, 

How  in  years  and  in  glory  lamented  he  fell. 

How  mourned  all  the  dryads  on  Claverton's  mount, 

Him  Avon  deplored,  him  the  nymph  of  the  fount, 

The  chrystalline  streams. 

Then  perish  his  picture,  his  statue  decay  ! 

A  tribute  more  lasting  the  muses  shall  pay, 

If  true  what  philosophers  all  will  assure  us, 

Who  dissent  from  the  doctrine  of  great  Epicurus, 

That  the  spirit's  immortal,  as  poets  allow, 

If  life's  occupations  are  followed  below ; 

In  reward  of  his  labours,  his  virtues,  and  pains, 

He  is  footing  it  now  in  th'  Elysian  plains, 

Indulg'd  as  a  token  of  Proserpine's  favour, 

To  preside  at  her  balls  in  a  cream-colour'd  beaver. 

It  appears,  from  all  his  biographers,  (one  of 
which  was  no  less  than  the  celebrated  Goldsmith,) 
that  the  above  distinguished  character  was  born 
at  Swansea,  in  the  county  of  Glamorgan,  the 
18th  of  October,  1674 ;  his  father  possessing  a 
handsome  income,  chiefly  derived  from  a  glass- 
manufactory  there.     On  his   mother's  side  his 
descent   was   more   respectable,  she   being  the 
niece  of  Colonel  Poyer,  who  was  executed  by 
Oliver  Cromwell,    for  defending   valiantly   the 
castle  of  Pembroke  on  behalf  of  the  unfortunate 
Charles  the  First.     At  Carmarthen,  Mr.  Nash 
received  the  elements  of  education,   and  a  com- 
petent share  of  classical  knowledge,  which  he 
was  sent  to  the  University  of  Oxford  to  improve 
at  the  early  age  of  sixteen.     Here  he  entered  at 
Jesus  College,  with  an  intention  to  pursue  the 
study  of  the  law.     But  he   had  mistaken  his 
turn;  the  dry  code  of  civil  jurisprudence  was 
ill  calculated  to  fix  the  attention  of  one  whose 
disposition  was  naturally  gay  and  volatile.    Nash 
devoted  himself  to  pleasure,  instead  of  acts  of 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  107 

parliament ;  involved  himself  in  an  intrigue  with 
a  knowing  female  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
University,  and  was  on  the  eve  of  sacrificing  all 
his  prospects  to  a  very  disproportioned  marriage 
in  point  of  age  and  fortune,  when  his  friends 
discovered  the  amour,  and  instantly  removed 
the  young  enamorato  from  the  sphere  of  his  mis- 
tress's attractions.  He  then  purchased  a  pair  of 
colours,  and  became  a  soldier.  But  he  soon 
found  that  he  had  pleased  himself  with  ideal 
delights;  and  his  rank  did  not  lift  him  above 
subordination.  He,  therefore,  quitted  the  army 
in  disgust,  returned  to  the  discarded  law,  and 
entered  himself  a  student  of  the  Middle-Temple. 
He  now  became  a  town  fine  gentleman  of  the 
second  rate;  dressing  tawdrily;  affecting  public 
places;  and  dividing  his  time  between  play  and 
the  ladies.  Nash  shortly  after  became  a  public 
character,  by  the  following  circumstance :— At 
the  time  of  William's  accession  to  the  throne, 
our  hero  was  a  member  of  the  Temple,  where  he 
had  acquired  the  credit  of  wit,  gallantry,  and 
elegance.  And  upon  the  Society's  entertaining 
the  new  Monarch  with  a  revel  and  a  pageant, 
Nash's  fame  for  taste  and  gaiety  rendered  him 
the  fittest  person  for  the  office  of  high-priest  on 
this  occasion ;  and  William,  indeed,  offered  to 
knight  Nash;  but  our  hero,  who  seems  to  have 
had  sense  enough  to  despise  the  unsubstantial 
mockery  of  a  title  without  the  palpable  comfort 
of  a  good  income  attached  to  it,  declined  the 
intended  honour.  In  the  year  1704,  Nash  went 
down  to  Bath,  which  was  then  just  beginning  to 
be  a  place  of  fashionable  resort;  and  a  vacancy 
happening  about  the  same  time  in  the  office  of 


108  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

Master  of  the  Ceremonies,  by  the  loss  of  Captain 
Webster,  the  well-known  talent  of  Nash  for  the 
invention  of  amusement,  and  the  promotion  of 
dissipation,  became  a  powerful  recommendation 
to  his  succeeding  to  the  important  situation  of 
Arbiter  Elegantiarum.  He  was  accordingly 
elected;  and  invested  with  the  fullest  power  to 
order,  arrange,  correct,  and  improve,  the  man- 
ners of  the  company,  the  routine  of  amusements, 
and  the  points  of  etiquette.  Uncontrouled  as 
was  the  authority  thus  delegated  to  him,  it  must 
be  confessed  he  deserves  great  credit  in  having 
exercised  it  entirely  for  the  public  good.  Under 
his  auspices,  Bath  quickly  emerged  from  that 
obscurity  in  which  it  had  been  hidden  for  ages, 
to  splendour,  elegance,  and  taste.  The  old 
roads  to  it  were  repaired  and  improved,  and  new 
approaches  made:  public  charities  were  institu- 
ted, (one  of  which,  the  General  Hospital,  will 
prove  an  imperishable  monument  of  the  feeling 
traits  of  his  benevolent  disposition;)  places  of 
amusement  constructed;  the  pumps  and  baths 
furnished  with  new  accommodations;  and  the 
motley  crew  of  visitors,  which  met  together  at 
the  place  of  general  resort,  was  reduced  to  order 
and  propriety  of  conduct.  Nash  was  the  first 
person  that  prohibited  the  wearing  of  swords  in 
the  Public  Rooms,  which,  at  that  period,  no  well- 
dressed  man  of  fashion  was  ever  seen  without, 
alleging  as  one  reason,  that  they  discomposed  the 
dresses  of  the  ladies ;  but  the  real  fact  was, 
these  instruments  of  death  were  too  often  re- 
sorted to  in  the  heat  of  play,  producing  serious 
and  calamitous  events.  Yet,  it  appears,  that 
swords  were  worn  a  long  time  after  at  the 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  109 

public  places  of  resort;  but  were,  at  length, 
finally  "  prohibited  being  worn  at  Bath," 
through  the  decided  interference  of  Nash,  in 
consequence  of  a  duel  having  been  fought  by 
torch-light,  between  two  noted  black  legs,  of 
the  names  of  Clarke  and  Taylor.  And  after  a 
most  desperate  opposition,  the  efforts  of  Nash 
finally  triumphed  over  the  wearing  boots  in  the 
Assembly  Rooms,  to  the  great  discomfiture  of 
the  'Squire  Western  part  of  the  creation.  In 
order,  it  should  seem,  generally  to  ridicule 
human  nature  out  of  its  numerous  weaknesses, 
the  following  lively,  yet  interesting  and  harmless, 
piece  of  satire,  written  by  Nash,  was,  till  very 
lately,  hung  up  in  the  rooms,  and  afforded  much 
amusement  to  its  various  perusers:  — 

"  Rules  by  general  Consent  determined. 

"  I.  That  a  visit  of  ceremony  at  coming  to  Bath,  and 
another  at  going  away,  is  all  that  is  expected  or  desired  by 
ladies  of  quality  and  fashion — except  impertinents. 

"  II.  That  ladies  coming  to  the  ball  appoint  a  time  for 
their  footmen's  coming  to  wait  on  them  home,  to  prevent 
disturbances  and  inconveniences  to  themselves  and  others. 

"  III.  That  gentlemen  of  fashion  never  appearing  in  a 
morning  before  the  ladies  in  gowns  and  caps,  shew  breeding 
and  respect. 

"  IV.  That  no  person  take  it  ill  that  any  one  goes  to  ano- 
ther's play  or  breakfast,  and  not  to  their's — except  captious 
by  nature. 

"  V.  That  no  gentleman  give  his  tickets  for  the  balls  to 
any  but  gentlewomen. — N.B.  Unless  he  has  none  of  his 
acquaintance. 

"  VI.  That  gentlemen  crowding  before  the  ladies  at  the 
ball  shew  ill  manners  ;  and  that  none  do  so  for  the  future — 
except  such  as  respect  nobody  but  themselves. 

"  VII.  That  no  gentleman  or  lady  take  it  ill  that  another 
dances  before  them — except  such  as  have  no  pretence  to 
dance  at  all. 


110  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

"  V11I.  That  the  elder  ladies  and  children  be  contented 
with  a  second  bench  at  the  ball,  as  being  past,  or  not  come 
to,  perfection. 

"  IX.  That  the  younger  ladies  take  notice  how  many  eyes 
observe  them. — N.  B.  This  does  not  extend  to  the  Have-at- 
Alls. 

"  X.  That  all  whisperers  of  lies  and  scandal  be  taken  for 
their  authors. 

"  XI.  That  all  repeaters  of  such  lies  and  scandal  be 
shunned  by  all  company — except  such  as  have  been  guilty 
of  the  same  crime. 

"  N.B.  Several  men  of  no  character,  old  women,  and 
young  ones  of  questioned  reputation,  are  great  authors  of 
lies  in  this  place,  being  of  the  sect  of  levellers." 

Under  his  equal  administration  no  rank  could 
shield  the  criminal  from  punishment,  if  the  code 
of  laws  established  by  Nash  had  been  infringed ; 
and    no   dignity  of  situation   influence   him   to 
allow  a  breach  or  temporary  suspension  of  them. 
When  the  Duchess  of  Queensberry  appeared  at 
the  dress-ball  in  an  apron,  he  deliberately  de- 
sired   her   to  take   it   off,    which  she   instantly 
complied  with,   and  begged   his  acceptance  of 
it;  and  when    the   Princess   Amelia  applied  to 
him  for  one  more  dance  after  eleven  o'clock, 
he  refused,  assuring  her  that  the  laws  of  Bath 
were,     like    those    of    Lycurgus,    unalterable. 
The  influence  which  this  firmness  in  his  govern- 
ment   gave   him  in   the   little   world   of    Bath 
was  unbounded,  and  Nash  took  care  to  preserve 
and  increase  it  by  a  considerable  affectation  of 
splendour  in  his  dress  and  equipage ;  aware  that 
external  appearance  has  a  powerful  and  visible 
effect  on  the  largest  part  of  mankind,  the  weak 
and  the  vain,  and  that  the  wise  and  the  good 
are  not  entirely  insensible  to  it,  though  in  an 
inferior  degree.    Consistently  with  this  just  view 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  Ill 

of  human  nature,  his  house  was  richly  furnished ; 
his  chariot  was  drawn  by  six  gray  horses,  several 
persons  on  horseback  and  on  foot  attending  the 
carriage,  bearing  French-horns  and  other  instru- 
ments of  music;  his  clothes  were  profusely  de- 
corated with  lace,  and  his  head  crowned  with  a 
large  white  hat,  cocked  up  in  a  fierce  and  sin- 
gular manner.  He  kept  one  coachman,  a  postil- 
lion, two  footmen  in  livery,  a  gentleman  out  of 
livery,  and  a  running  footman.  It  is  said  of 
this  latter  person,  who  was  an  Irishman,  that  he 
frequently  run  from  Bath  to  London  in  a  day ; 
and  was  equally  as  swift  on  his  return*  the  next, 
but  having  "  died  one  day"  when  engaged  in 
this  active  pursuit,  his  numerous  good-natured 
blunders  often  served  to  enrich  the  jokes  of 
NASH.  This  was  the  meridian  of  NASH'S  glory. 
The  Prince  of  Wales,  and  the  Prince  of  Orange, 
gave  him  marks  of  their  esteem ;  the  nobility  of 
Bath  flattered  him  with  their  familiarity  ;  the 
gentry  treated  him  with  respect;  and  the  Corpo- 
ration always  consulted  him  in  every  public  step 
in  which  they  engaged;  a  sum  of  money  was 
voted  by  the  chamber  for  the  purpose  of  erect- 
ing a  marble  statue  of  the  King  of  Bath,  which, 
when  finished,  found  an  honourable  station  in 

*  The  strength  of  man  seems  much  to  have  degenerated 
of  late  years,  if  the  above  statement  is  viewed  as  a  fact ; 
and,  at  the  present  day,  it  is  very  doubtful  that  a  man  could 
be.  found  who  would  even  attempt  running  to  Bath,  (the  dis- 
tance of  which  is  105  miles,)  with  all  the  advantages  of  the 
improved  state  of  the  roads,  in  twenty-four  successive  hours, 
without  great  preparation  of  training ;  but,  to  think  of  re- 
turning again  on  the  next  day,  is  entirely  out  of  the  question. 
If  such  a  running  footman  could  be  found  now-a-days,  he 
would  make  a  speedy  fortune  in  the  sporting  world. 


112  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

the  Pump-Room,  between  the  busts  of  Newton 
and  Pope;  but  the  keen  wit  of  Lord  Chester- 
field could  not  pass  over  this  happy  opportunity 
of  ridiculing  so  absurd  an  association.  He 
wrote  an  epigram  on  the  subject,  concluding 
with  the  following  lines: — 

"  The  Statue  plac'd  the  Busts  between, 

"   Adds  to  the  satire  strength  ; 
"   Wisdom  and  Wit  are  little  seen, 

11  But  Folly  at  full  length." 

The  charity  of  Nash  was  extensive,  and  often 
well  applied ;  in  1739,  when  a  very  hard  winter 
pressed  heavily  on  the  poor  inhabitants  of  Bath, 
he  entered  many  of  their  houses,  and,  to  spare 
their  feelings,  he  relieved  them  unasked.     He 
also  relieved  the  colliers  and  weavers,  who  came 
in  a  starving  state  to  the  City  in  a  body,  by 
commencing   a  subscription   for  them,    putting 
down  ten  guineas  himself  at  the  onset,  and  sent 
them  home  to  their  families  with  tears  of  grati- 
tude  for    his    future   welfare.      His    character 
abounds  with  numerous  traits  of  benevolence ; 
and,  it  is  said  of  him,  that  when  unable  to  re- 
lieve those  who  sued  to  him  for  assistance,  the 
tears  have  been  seen  to  trickle  down  his  cheeks. 
In  fact,  it  was  often  carried  to  excess.    A  ruined 
gamester,  who  had  witnessed  Nash  put  a  large 
sum  of  money  into  his  pocket,  with  carelessness, 
observed,  "  such  a  sum  would  make  him  happy!" 
when  Nash,  without  the  slightest  hesitation,  upon 
overhearing  his  exclamation,  put  the  money  in  his 
hands,  saying,  "  go  then  and  be  happy  !"  From 
such  a  line  of  conduct  Nash  became  extremely 
popular ;  he  was  respected  by  the  opulent,  and 
the  admiration  of  the  poor,  and  his  prosperity 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  113 

continued  for  a  longer  period  than  is  usually 
allotted  to  public  characters ;  his  popularity 
undiminished,  and  his  honours  untarnished:  an 
admirable  skill  in  play  provided  amply  for  his 
enormous  expenses,  and  his  hilarity,  gaiety,  and 
easy  address,  as  they  contributed  to  the  plea- 
sure of  society,  gained  him  in  return  affection, 
if  not  esteem.  But  regard  acquired  by  qualities 
which  are  not  intrinsically  excellent,  can  only 
be  temporary.  Those  sprightly  traits  of  cha- 
racter which  may  add  a  grace  to  youth,  become 
ridiculous  and  disgusting  in  old  age.  The  jest 
that  pleases  at  twenty-five,  will  shock  at  seventy; 
nor  can  the  most  thoughtless  contemplate  with 
pleasure  the  man  who,  in  the  course  of  nature, 
must  shortly  change  this  being  for  another,  idly 
busied  about  the  frivolities  of  gay  life,  et  totus 
in  illis.  The  public  now  began  to  treat  Nash 
with  neglect,  and  shortly  with  contempt.  The 
great,  whom  he  had  served  with  such  devotion, 
rewarded  him — as  they  are  accustomed  to  remu- 
nerate the  instruments  of  their  pleasures — by 
deserting  him  in  the  hour  of  need.  Sickness 
attacked  him,  and  poverty  stared  him  in  the 
face.  These  were  evils  against  which  he  had 
provided  no  defence,  and  which  therefore  fell 
upon  him  with  double  weight.  Sorrow  and  dis- 
tress clouded  the  closing  evening  of  his  days  ; 
and  reflection  came  too  late  for  any  other  pur- 
pose than  to  display  to  him  the  disconsolate 
situation  of  that  man,  when  he  approaches  his 
end,  who  has  spent  his  whole  life  in  playing  the 
fool. 

The  tree  of  deepest  root  is  found, 
Least  willing  still  to  quit  the  ground ; 

I 


114  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

'Twas  therefore  said  by  ancient  sages, 

That  love  of  life  increas'd  with  years, 
So  much  that  in  our  latter  stages, 
When  pains  grow  sharp,  and  sickness  rages, 

The  greatest  love  of  life  appears. 

This  great  affection  to  believe, 

Which  all  confess,  but  few  perceive, 

OLD  TIME,  whose  haste  no  mortal  spares, 

Uncall'd,  unheeded,  unawares 
Brought  on  his  eightieth  year. 

At  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-seven  years, 
Mr.  Nash  died,  at  his  house,  in  St.  John's  Court, 
Bath,  on  the  3d  of  February,  1761,  sincerely 
regretted  by  every  inhabitant  of  this  City,  and 
buried  at  the  expense  of  the  Corporation,  with 
great  respect  and  solemnity,  in  the  Abbey 
Church.  The  masters  of  the  Assembly-Rooms, 
following  as  chief  mourners.  His  pall  was  sup- 
ported by  six  of  the  senior  aldermen;  and  three 
clergymen  preceded  the  coffin.  The  boys  and 
girls  of  the  charity-schools  in  couples,  singing 
a  hymn,  and  a  band  of  music,  playing  a  dirge. 
The  tops  of  the  houses,  and  the  streets  were 
crowded  with  spectators,  to  take  a  last  farewell 
of  this  venerable  founder  and  promoter  of  the 
interests  connected  with  the  City  of  Bath. 

Mr.  Collett  succeeded  Mr.  Nash ;  a  gentleman 
of  real  private  worth ;  but,  in  his  capacity  of 
Master  of  the  Ceremonies,  he  stood  in  no  com- 
petition with  his  great  predecessor,  and  soon 
resigned  his  throne  to  Mr.  Derrick.  This  latter 
gentleman  also  bore  no  resemblance  to  Mr. 
Nash,  except  his  wearing  a  white  hat :  he,  how- 
ever, made  it  a  lucrative  situation,  in  taking  a 
benefit  during  the  season  at  each  room.  But, 
upon  his  death,  in  1769,  the  vacant  sceptre  was 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  115 

contested  with  the  most  determined  hostility, 
between  Mr.  Brereton  and  Mr.  Plonier.  Heaps 
of  hand-bills,  squibs,  and  scurrility,  daily  issued 
from  the  press,  in  which  David  Garrick,  Esq. 
took  an  active  part;  and  as  the  ladies  had 
an  equal  right  of  voting,  their  conduct,  upon 
this  occasion,  partook  more  of  the  purlieus  of 
Wapping  than  the  refined  circles  of  Bath.  It, 
at  length,  became  so  disgraceful,  and  such  a 
scene  of  riot  and  confusion  ensued  at  the  rooms, 
that  the  mayor  appeared  with  his  officers,  and 
the  tumult  was  not  appeased  till  after  the  town- 
clerk  had  read  the  Riot-Act  three  times. 

Arms,  and  the  feuds  I  sing,  of  ladies  fair : 

Of  female  wigs  dethron'd  ;  dishevell'd  hair ; 

Rent  muslins ;  laces  torn ;  eyes  flashing  fire  ; 

Roug'd  cheeks,  more  red  with  rage,  and  such  chimeras  dire. 

Then,  let  the  tumult  thicken  :  rouse  each  fair 
To  calling  odious  names,  and  pulling  hair ; 
Let  curses  thunder,  and  let  blows  resound  ; 
Torn  lace  and  broken  fans  bestrew  the  ground ; 
And  gray-hair'd  scalps  and  wrinkl'd  sculls  deplore, 
The  loss  of  wigs,  wide  scatter'd  o'er  the  floor. 

Mr.  Plonier  and  Mr.  Brereton  were,  at  length, 
induced  to  resign  their  pretensions  in  favour  of 
Captain  Wade,  upon  their  receiving  a  benefit- 
ball  at  each  of  the  rooms.  Mr.  Wade  was  the 
first  Master  of  the  Ceremonies  who  was  pre- 
sented with  a  gold  medallion  of  enamelled  blue, 
set  round  with  brilliants,  to  be  worn  as  the 
ensignia  of  his  office.  On  the  one  side  is  a  raised 
figure  of  Venus,  with  a  golden  apple  in  one  hand, 
and  a  rudder  in  the  other ;  the  motto,  Venus 
decens.  The  reverse  is  a  wreath  of  laurel ;  the 
motto,  Arbiter  elegantiarum  commune  consen- 

I  2 


116  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

su  ;  and  now  worn  by  Mr.  Heaviside  at  the  Up- 
per Rooms. 

On  quitting  the  OLD  ROOMS,  a  few  yards  to 
the  right  brings  the  visitor  into  Orange-Grove, 
which  is  a  charming  open  area,  planted  with  rows 
of  elm-trees,  and  from  its  contiguity  to  the  vene- 
rable Abbey,  gives  it  rather  an  interesting  ap- 
pearance. It  is  190  feet  long,  and  170  broad, 
and  was  formerly  the  principal  seat  of  the  amuse- 
ments of  Bath.  The  houses  are  irregularly 
built ;  but  notwithstanding  this  defect,  it  is  a 
pleasant,  although  not  an  elegant  residence.  A 
small  obelisk  stands  in  the  centre,  erected  by 
BEAU  NASH,  with  the  following  inscription,  said 
to  be  written  by  POPE: — 

In  memoriam  * 

Sanitatis 

PRINCIPI  AURIACO 
Aquarum  Thermalium  puto 

Favente  DEO 

Ovante  Britannia 

Feliciter  Restitutae. 

MDCCXXXIV. 

The  left  corner  of  Orange-Grove  leads  to  the 
Post-Office,  on  passing  which,  turn  down  to  the 
left  into  Church- Street,  and  the  FREEMASONS' 
HALL  immediately  meets  the  eye  of  the  spectator 
in  York-Street.  The  above  new  and  elegant 
structure  built  of  free-stone  is  considered  as  a 
great  ornament  to  Bath,  and  also  adds  to  the  im- 
portance of  this  part  of  the  City ;  the  exterior 
of  which  is  viewed  as  a  fine  piece  of  Grecian 

*  In  memory  of  the  happy  restoration  of  the  health 
of  the  Prince  of  Orange,  by  the  drinking  of  the  Bath 
waters,  through  the  favour  of  God,  and  to  the  joy  of 
Britain,  1734. 


*y  #j  w  •  y 

. 

. 

. 
.5   "I 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  117 

architecture.  It  has  a  small  portico  in  front, 
with  pillars  of  the  Ionic  Order.  On  the  top  of 
the  building  are  three  figures  extremely  well  ex- 
ecuted, symbols  of  masonry.  On  the  left  corner 
is  FAITH— in  the  centre,  CHARITY  with  an  in- 
fant—and on  the  right,  is  HOPE.  On  the  archi- 
trave is  the  following  inscription:  "  FREE- 
MASONS' HALL,  A.  L.  5817."  The  idea 
first  originated  with  Mr.  Witncy,  a  distin- 
guished Chemist,  the  corner  of  Union-Passage, 
Cheap-Street ;  mid  by  his  perseverance  it  was 
erected  and  finished.  The  plan  of  the  above 
Hall  also  entirely  belongs  to  Mr.  Witney.  The 
Architect,  Mr.  Wilkins,  is  the  author  of  Magna 
Grecite.  In  the  front  of  the  building  is  a  long 
range  of  Grecian  iron-railing,  quite  nouvel/e  in 
Bath.  The  whole  of  the  structure  is  strictly 
masonic,  even  to  the  triangular  knockers  out- 
side of  the  doors. 

The  interior  of  the  building  is  very  complete 
and  convenient  in  all  its  various  parts;  and  well 
worthy  of  being  visited.  The  great  room,  or 
hall,  is  50  by  30  feet.  It  has  two  fire-places, 
with  fluted  pillars  against  the  wall.  Opposite 
the  entrance  from  the  hall- door,  at  the  bottom 
of  the  room,  stands  the  Master's  chair,  upon  an 
elevation,  with  an  ascent  of  three  steps  of  black 
and  white  chequered  marble,  supported  by  two 
lions,  the  left  and  right  foot  of  each  are  on  balls, 
to  correspond.  Over  the  chair  is  a  neat  gallery, 
supported  by  light  elegant  pillars,  in  the  centre 
of  which  is  an  exquisitely  fine-toned  organ.  In 
the  front  of  the  gallery  is  the  "  all-seeing  eye/' 
handsomely  painted ;  and  opposite  to  which,  over 
the  hall-door,  is  a  compass  and  bevil  to  cor- 


118  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

respond.  In  the  centre  of  the  hall  are  two  beau- 
tiful well-skylights,  with  handsome  composition 
ornaments,  and  two  elegant  glass-chandeliers 
suspended  by  a  chain  from  the  top.  It  is  about 
25  feet  high  ;  and  upon  the  whole  it  has  a  pleas- 
ing and  interesting  appearance :  but  is  only  used 
on  particular  occasions.  Behind  the  Master's 
chair  are  two  doors,  one  of  which  leads  to  the 
west  staircase,  with  handsome  iron  rails  and  a 
mahogany  top,  down  to  the  LODGE-ROOM,  close 
to  which  is  a  small  apartment  for  the  Tyler.  In 
this  room,  the  lodges  belonging  to  Bath,  four  in 
number,  meet  upon  alternate  nights.  It  is  large, 
with  two  fire-places  in  it,  and  an  elevation  at  the 
bottom  of  the  room  for  the  chair ;  it  receives  its 
light  from  two  handsome  Gothic  windows.  A 
double  Gothic  cornice  goes  all  round  the  room, 
which  has  a  very  pretty  effect.  As  a  decided 
proof  that  the  secrets  of  masonry  are  not  all  of 
a  purely  intellectual  nature,  contiguous  to  the 
Lodge-Room  is  a  kitchen,  which  is  rather  narrow 
in  dimensions,  but  furnished  with  cooking  uten- 
sils, amply  sufficient  to  furnish  food  for  a  large 
company  at  the  London  Tavern.  The  range  is 
six  feet  eight  inches  long,  two  feet  in  depth,  and 
its  round  bars,  two  inches  thick.  Its  weight  al- 
together is  900lbs.  To  the  right  of  the  range  is 
a  large  stove,  on  the  left  an  oven,  and  in  the  area, 
two  very  large  coppers.  The  whole  of  the 
building  cost  £3000.  Upon  laying  the  first 
stone,  the  following  inscription,  engraved  on  a 
copper-plate,  was  placed  under  it: — 

"  The  foundation-stone  of  this  Masonic  Hall  was  laid  with 
the  usual  ceremonies,  July  28th,  A.D.  1817,  in  the  57th 
year  of  the  reign  of  his  present  Majesty,  George  III.  and  the 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  119 

year  of  Masonry  5817,  in  the  presence  of  the  Masters  and 
Wardens  of  the  Bath  Lodges,  viz.  The  Royal  Cumberland 
Lodge,  No.  55.  The  Royal  Sussex  Lodge,  69.*  The  Royal 
York  Lodge  of  perfect  Friendship,  245;  and  the  Royal 
Lodge  of  Virtue,  311.  His  Royal  Highness  Frederick 
Duke  of  Sussex,  being  most  worshipful  Grand  Master 
of  the  United  Lodge  of  England,  and  Arthur  Chiches- 
ter,  Esq.  R.  W.  Provincial  Grand  Master  for  the 
County  of  Somerset.  Royal  Cumberland  Lodge,  Charles 
Geary,  W.  M.  Samuel  J.  Browne,  S.  W.  Mark  Watt,  J.  W. 
Royal  Sussex  Lodge,  John  Browne,  W.M.  John  Morris,  S. W. 
Josh.  Pinker,  J.  W Royal  York  Lodge  of  perfect  Friend- 
ship, Thomas  Witney,  W.  M.  John  Ashley,  S.  W.  William 
Redman,  J.  W.— Lodge  of  Virtue,  Wm.  Underwood  Whit- 
ney, W.  M.  Jas.  Webber,  S.  W.  Jas.  Hiscocks,  J.  W.-— 

Brother   Wilkins,    Architect Walter    Harris,    Builder.— 

Engraved  by  W.  Lanter,  48,  Corn-Street,  Bristol." 

In  consequence  of  the  long  indisposition  of 
the  Queen,  the  grand  meeting  for  the  opening 
and  dedication  of  the  above  Hall,  which  was  to 
have  been  honoured  with  the  presence  of  His 
Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  was  un- 
avoidably postponed  to  a  more  convenient  pe- 
riod ;  but  on  Monday,  the  28th  of  September, 
1818,  the  W.  MM.  the  P.  MM.  the  S.  and  J.WW. 
the  S.  and  J.DD.  and  the  various  officers  and 
brethren  of  the  Royal  Cumberland  Lodge,  the 
Royal  York  Lodge  of  perfect  Friendship,  and 
the  Lodge  of  Virtue,  assembled  at  the  New  Free- 
masons' Hall,  for  the  purpose  of  opening  the 
Lower  Lodge-Room,  previous  to  the  intended 
visit  of  His  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Sussex, 
and  for  holding  their  future  masonic  meetings. 
The  Rev.  the  Chaplain  of  the  Royal  York  Lodge 
invoked  the  blessing  of  the  Almighty  upon  the 
undertaking,  in  most  impressive  terms ;  after 

*  Were  not  present*. 


V20  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

which,  and  previous  to  the  consecration,  the  Di- 
rector of  the  Ceremonies  (Dr.  Geo.  Gavin  Browne 
Mill,  of  Marlborough-Buildings,  the  J.  W.  of  the 
Royal  York  Lodge)  delivered  a  most  elegant  ora- 
tion, replete  with  classic  lore,  and  enriched  with 
genuine  effusions  of  piety,  and  eloquent  recom- 
mendations of  the  moral  and  social  virtues.  Bro- 
ther R.  M.  Payne  (the  W.  M.  of  the  Royal  Cum- 
berland Lodge)  presided.  On  this  occasion  the 
new  organ  was  opened,  and  its  soft  and  beautiful 
tones  added  considerably  to  the  effect  of  the  so- 
lemnity. 

Upon  leaving  the  Freemasons'  Hall,  cross  Stall- 
Street  and  proceed  through  the  Colonnade  in 
Bath-Street,  on  the  left  of  which,  at  the  bottom, 
and  near  to  the  Cross  Bath,  is  a  neat  little  build- 
ing, containing  the  "  BATH  ANTIQUITIES." 
To  the  lovers  of  research,  an  hour  or  two  may  be 
fully  employed  in  examining  the  various  relics  of 
ancient  times,  which  have  been  preserved  and 
collected  together,  and  deposited  in  this  build- 
ing, erected  at  the  expense  of  the  Corporation  ; 
and  which  might  be  said  not  only  to  have  filled 
up  a  vacant  niche,  but  has  given  a  sort  of  finish 
to  the  Colonnade  and  Cross  Bath.  It  is  open  at  all 
times  of  the  day  to  public  inspection;  the  remu- 
neration depending  entirely  on  the  liberality  of 
the  visitor.  A  quarto  volume  (which  answers  as 
a  catalogue)  printed  in  1793,  written  with  much 
industry  and  talent  upon  the  subject,  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  WARNER,  Curate  of  St.  James's,  Bath,  (to 
whom  the  inhabitants  of  this  elegant  City,  for 
his  able  and  acute  researches  to  render  the  most 
explicit  information  upon  so  dry  a  subject  in  a 
perspicuous  point  of  view,  are  much  indebted), 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  121 

and  dedicated  to  the  Mayor  and  Corporation, 
will  sufficiently  assist  the  visitor  in  his  examina- 
tion of  the  above  fragments  of  masonry  and 
sculpture.  The  remains  of  the  Temple  of 
Minerva  form  the  most  remarkable  objects  in  the 
collection  ;  and  testify  that  the  building  to  which 
they  belonged,  was  equal  in  magnificence  to  any 
specimen  of  classical  architecture  in  the  king- 
dom. Besides  the  above  fragments  are  several 
inscriptions  and  specimens  of  Roman  masonry. 
Here  is  also  a  thin  quarto  manuscript,  written 
by  JOHN  CRANCH,  a  native  of  Bath,  respecting 
the  Walcot  Collection ;  which  collection,  it  ap- 
pears, has  been  presented  by  the  above  person  to 
the  Corporation  of  Bath,  consisting  of  Imperial 
Coins,  relating  to  the  most  obscure  time  of  Great 
Britain  under  the  subjugation  of  the  Romans. 
On  pulling  down  a  house  in  Westgate-Street,  in 
1784,  thirty-two  various  pieces  of  money  were 
found  belonging  to  Trajan,  Antonies,  &c.  half- 
pence of  King  James,  silver  coins  of  Queen  Eliza- 
beth, &c.  Also  several  coins  were  found  in  the 
copse  of  Cheynes-Court  Farm,  in  1813.  It  is 
however  admitted  by  all  the  writers  respecting 
the  Antiquities  of  Bath,  that  the  information  is 
very  scanty  and  imperfect ;  but  the  conclusion 
of  Mr.  CRANCH  is  so  very  forcible  and  decisive 
upon  the  darkness  of  the  subject,  that  nothing 
but  a  real  antiquarian  would  (if  the  expression 
can  be  pardoned  by  this  most  patient  of  all  other 
societies)  waste  his  time  in  farther  research,  upon 
reading  the  following  passage  : — "  Not  one  na- 
tive writer  from  Jeffery  of  Monmouth,  down  to 
Wood  the  Architect,  inclusive,  has  left  any  ac- 


122  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

count  that  can  at  all  gratify  rational  curiosity, 
or  satisfy  even  moderate  expectation  !" 

It  however  appears,  that  the  spirit  of  research 
is  not  extinct  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bath, 
and  the  interesting  remains  of  ancient  times  are 
daily  presented  to  the  admiring  and  scruti- 
nizing eyes  of  the  antiquary.  Exclusive  of  the 
spirited  enterprises  so  successfully  pursued 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Skinner,  at  Rouridhill-tining 
and  at  Camerton,  and  the  accessions  still  con- 
tinuing to  be  made  by  attentive  individuals  in 
and  near  Bath,  of  which  no  correct  opinion  has 
yet  been  laid  before  the  public,  the  following 
articles  were  developed  in  September,  1818 : — 
1.  A  sepulchral  urn,  with  human  bones  and  ashes, 
and  a  small  brass  coin  of  the  usurper  Carausius, 
at  Walcot.  2.  A  fine  medal  of  Faustina  Augusta, 
reverse  Lucina,  in  brass,  at  the  same  place. 
3.  A  tesselated  mosaic  pavement,  in  Kingsmead, 
behind  Norfolk-Crescent.  4.  An  oblong  square 
stone  sarcophagus,  containing  a  complete  human 
skeleton,  (other  contents  not  yet  ascertained),  dug 
near  Mr.  Harris's,  statuary,  above  Bathwick  New 
Church.  5.  A  celt,  (or  more  probably)  an  axe 
for  hewing  timber,  found  at  Bathwick.  This 
instrument  is  formed  of  a  hard  gray  stone,  of 
that  species  called  the  Hanham  pennant:  it  is 
nearly  13  inches  in  length,  of  massive  dimen- 
sions, well  contrived  for  effect,  and  evidently  de- 
signed to  be  fastened  to  its  handle  by  thongs,  in 
the  manner  found  to  be  usual  in  all  barbarous 
nations,  where  the  use  of  the  metals  has  been 
unknown:  it  is  probably  the  largest  instrument 
of  its  kind  at  present  extant ;  and,  presuming  it 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  123 

to  have  been  antecedent  to  the  introduction  of 
the  arts  into  Britain  by  the  Romans,  must  be  at 
least  1800  years  old,  though  it  is  probably  much 
older  :  it  is  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  O'Niel. — It 
is  to  be  hoped,  that  those  persons  who  may  have 
to  superintend  any  of  the  numerous  excavations 
now  making  in  and  about  Bath,  will  not  suffer 
any  thing  they  may  find  to  be  mutilated  or  de- 
stroyed, merely  because  they  may  not  themselves 
perceive  any  value  in  it ;  remembering  that,  as 
the  thoughtless  destruction  of  the  TIN  TABLET 
dug  up  at  Stone-henge,  in  the  time  of  King 
Henry  VIII.  probably  buried  the  origin  of  that 
extraordinary  fabric  in  eternal  oblivion,  so  it  is 
not  impossible  that  the  future  discovery  of  some 
similar  memorial  may  either  ascertain  the  origin 
of  Bath,  or  throw  additional  light  on  the  obscu- 
rity of  its  ancient  history. 

On  the  visitor's  retracing  his  steps  past  the 
Walks,  the  prospects  from  the  North  and  South 
Parades  may  be  viewed  again  and  again  with 
increased  interest  and  pleasure ;  particularly 
from  the  latter  Parade,  so  attractive  during  the 
colder  months.  The  eye  ascending  towards  Pryor 
Park ;  the  picturesque  appearance  of  the  hang- 
ing woods  of  Beechen-ClirF,  added  to  the  luxu- 
rient  beauties  of  Claverton-Down: — 

Sweet  are  yon  hills  that  crown  this  fertile  vale ! 
Ye  genial  springs  !  Pierean  waters  hail ! 

Hail,  woods  and  lawns  !    Yes — oft  I'll  tread 

Yon  pine-clad  mountain's  side, 
Oft  trace  the  gay  enamell'd  mead, 

Where  Avon  rolls  his  pride. 

Hail  next  to  fair  Castalia's  streams, 

And  Pindus'  flow'ry  path, 
Apollo  most  the  spring  esteems, 

And  verdant  meads  of  BATH. 


124  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

Contiguous  to  the  South  Parade,  ground  has 
been  marked  out,  and  a  plan  begun,  towards  an 
elegant  new  square,  (to  be  called  Kingston- 
Square)  and  also  several  new  streets ;  near  to 
which  are  Henry,  Phillip's,  Evelyn,  Manvers, 
Harris,  and  Orchard  Streets.  The  OLD  THEA- 
TRE, in  the  latter  thoroughfare,  was,  in  1809,  con- 
verted into  a  convenient  and  spacious  Catholic 
Chapel,  which  has  to  boast  of  a  most  excellent 
choir,  a  very  fine-toned  organ,  and  a  numerous 
congregation.  In  1780,  during  the  riots,  the 
Romish  Chapel,  near  St.  James's  Parade,  was 
burnt  down ;  and  a  gentleman's  servant  of  the 
name  of  Butler,  who  was  particularly  active 
in  this  disgraceful  affair,  was  executed  upon 
a  gallows  near  the  above  Parade. 

On  re-crossing  the  Ferry,  towards  the  right  of 
the  road  are  several  pieces  of  ground  set  apart 
for  the  erection  of  places,  streets,  &c.  The 
view  of  Pulteney-Bridge,  &c.  alongside  the 
Avon,  is  interesting  till  the  visitor's  arrival  at 
the  New  Church,  where,  if  he  feels  inclined  to 
prolong  his  walk,  there  is  a  road  that  leads  to 
Claver  ton- Down,  leaving  Sidney -Wharf  on  his 
left.  If  home  is  the  word,  pass  Great  George- 
Street,  through  Darlington-Street,  and  Sydney- 
Place  immediately  appears  in  sight. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  125 


WALK  III. 


From  PORTLAND-PLACE  through  Burlington-Street  and 
Place,  Har ley-Street,  Gloucester  Place  and  Street. 
Contiguous  to  which  are  Bat  lance-Street,  Lampard- 
Buildings,  and  Mur ford- Street.  Cattle's  Lane, 
Rivers-Street,  and  Catharine  -  Place.  Through 
Margaret-Buildings,  (MARGARET-CHAPEL)  Brock- 
Street,  and  the  CIRCUS.  Bennet  -  Street  (NEW 
ROOMS),  Saville-Row,  and  Alfred-Street.  Return 
to  the  CIRCUS  through  Guy-Street  and  Queen- 
Square,  the  Gravel- Walk,  Church-Street,  to  Port- 
land-Place. 


PORTLAND-PLACE  is  an  elevated  pleasant  situa- 
tion, commanding  a  good  prospect;  the  houses 
are  capacious  and  elegant ;  but,  in  point  of  ap- 
pearance, it  cannot  compare  with  that  distin- 
guished place  of  residence  in  the  Metropolis. 
Pass  through  Burlington-Street,  at  the  bottom 
of  which  is  Burlington- Place ;  and  on  the 
right  is  Harley-Strcet,  in  which  is  Portland- 
Chapel,  a  neat  building  of  free-stone,  erected 
in  1816.  On  the  left  is  Gloucester-Place,  lead- 
ing directly  to  Gloucester -Street.  In  any  of  the 
above  thoroughfares  there  is  nothing  of  any  par- 
ticular importance  to  arrest  the  progress  of  the 
visitor,  nor  in  the  following  streets  contiguous 
to  them,  Ballance- Street,  Lampard- Buildings, 
and  Murf or d- Street.  Cross  Cottles  Lane  to 
Rivers-Street,  which  leads  to  Catharine-Place, 


126  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

where  the  houses  are  enclosed  in  the  form  of  a 
square,  but  it  has  no  iron-rails.  Here  chairs 
ply  for  fairs,  for  the  accommodation  of  this  part 
of  the  City.  Pass  through  Margaret- Buildings, 
in  which  is  situated  Margaret-Chapel,  built  by 
Mr.  Wood,  after  the  Gothic  order.  Its  appear- 
ance is  light  and  elegant,  from  the  roof  having 
no  supporters :  in  length  it  is  73  feet,  60  wide, 
and  37  high,  with  galleries.  Over  the  altar  is  a 
fine  picture  of  the  Wise  Men's  Offerings,  painted 
by  Mr.  Williams.  It  has  a  fine-toned  organ,  and 
is  kept  warm  by  two  of  Buzaglo's  stoves.  Divine 
service  is  performed  here  every  Sunday,  at  eleven 
and  five;  and  on  Wednesdays,  prayers  at  eleven. 
This  chapel  was  opened,  in  1770,  by  that  unfor- 
tunate but  eloquent  preacher,  Dr.  W.  Dodd. 
The  above  buildings  are  adapted  to  trade,  being 
full  of  shops ;  and  on  the  left  is  Brock-Street, 
a  respectable  place  of  residence,  leading  into  the 
CIRCUS.  Upon  entering  this  noble  circular 
building,  the  eye  of  the  visitor  is  delighted  with 
the  uniformity  and  grandeur  of  the  scene.  It 
bursts  upon  him  by  surprise,  and  its  Roman 
appearance  is  very  impressive.  The  houses  are 
peculiarly  attractive  and  interesting,  having  be- 
tween each  of  the  various  stories,  two  pillars  of 
the  Ionic,  Doric,  and  Corinthian  orders  of  ar- 
chitecture; and  are  also  decorated  with  nume- 
rous sculptured  medallions.  In  the  middle  of 
the  CIRCUS  is  a  shrubbery,  and  a  gravel-walk 
surrounding  a  reservoir,  from  which  the  houses 
are  supplied  with  water.  This  little  promenade 
is  enclosed  with  a  circular  iron-railing,  allowing 
a  most  spacious  carriage-road  all  round  it.  It 
was  built  after  the  design  of  the  elder  Mr. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  127 

Wood :  and  most  of  the  streets  connected  with 
the  CIRCUS  were  likewise  erected  from  the  plans 
of  the  above  deservedly  distinguished  architect. 
The  visitor  can  scarcely  quit  this  classic  pile  of 
buildings,  without  turning  round  to  take  another 
look.  On  crossing  the  CIRCUS,  to  the  right  is 
Bennet-Streett  contiguous  to  Saville-Row  and 
Alfred-Street^  in  which  are  the  various  entrances 
to  the  UPPER  (or  NEW)  ROOMS.  The  first 
stone  of  these  beautiful,  if  not  unequalled, 
Assembly  Rooms  in  the  kingdom,  was  laid  on 
the  24th  of  May,  1769,  by  that  ingenious  archi- 
tect, inheriting  all  his  father's  talents,  the  junior 
John  Wood,  Esq.  and  built  under  his  direction 
from  the  subscription  of  seventy  individuals,  at 
the  cost  of  £20,000,  and  were  opened  for  the 
reception  of  company  in  1771.  The  elegance 
of  the  ball-room  astonishes  every  spectator,  it  is 
100  feet  8  inches  long,  42  feet  8  inches  wide, 
and  42  feet  6  inches  high.  The  ceiling  is  beau- 
tiful, ornamented  with  pannels  with  open  com- 
partments, and  from  which  are  suspended  five 
superb  glass  chandeliers :  and  the  windows  from 
which  the  rooms  receive  daylight,  are  on  a  ball- 
night  covered  with  boards  painted  with  orna- 
ments on  them  to  correspond  with  the  uniformity 
of  the  other  side  of  the  room.  The  walls  are 
also  painted  and  decorated  in  the  most  tasteful 
style;  and  the  Corinthian  columns  and  entabla- 
ture resemble  statuary  marble.  At  each  end  of 
the  room  are  placed,  in  magnificent  gilt-frames, 
the  most  splendid  looking-glasses  that  could  be 
procured  to  give  effect  to  the  general  brilliant 
appearance.  The  whole  suite  of  rooms  are  fur- 


128  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

nishcd  iu  the  same  elegant  style  to  correspond. 
In  the  Octagon  Card-Room,  48  feet  in  diameter, 
is  a  fine  likeness  of  Captain  Wade,  painted  by 
Gainsborough  ;  and  likewise  a  portrait  of 
Richard  Tyson,  Esq.  done  by  James.  The  other 
Card-Room  is  70  feet  long  and  27  wide.  In 
1813,  a  capacious  and  elegant  Heading-Room 
was  added  to  it  by  the  present  Renter,  Mr. 
Stroud,  which  is  fitted  up  with  the  best  maps, 
newspapers,  books  of  reference,  &c.  The  ad- 
mission to  this  room  is  so  convenient,  that  it 
does  not  interfere  with  the  company  on  ball  or 
concert  nights.  The  terms  of  subscription  to 
the  Card  and  Reading  Rooms  for  the  year  are 
26s.  and  for  two  months  15s.  The  above 
fashionable  amusements  are  placed  upon  a  far 
more  moderate  scale  of  terms  than  any  other 
place  of  similar  resort  in  the  kingdom.  In 
short,  the  whole  establishment  is  truly  com- 
plete, and  cannot  fail  in  proving  the  admiraiton 
of  every  visitor  at  Bath. 

Captain  Wade  was  the  first  master  of  the  cere- 
monies here,  but  who  alternately  presided  at 
both  rooms,  till  July  1777,  when  an  affair  of 
gallantry  compelled  him  to  relinquish  his  lucra- 
tive office.  Seven  candidates  immediately  offered 
themselves  on  the  abdication  of  Mr.  Wade.  It  was 
however  at  length  compromised,  that  Mr.  Daw- 
son  should  preside  in  the  room  of  Capt.  Wade ; 
and  Major  Brereton  to  officiate  as  M.  C.  at  the 
Lower  Rooms.  At  the  expiration  of  three  years 
the  latter  retired  from  his  office,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Richard  Tyson,  Esq.  from  Tunbridge- 
Wells.  In  1785,  the  latter  gentleman  was 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  129 

translated  to  the  New  Rooms  on  the  resignation 
of  Mr.  Dawson  :  and  James  King,  Esq.  who  had 
highly  distinguished  himself  in  the  British  army 
in  America,  was  elected  without  opposition  to 
the  Lower  Rooms.  In  1805,  Mr.  Tyson,  to  the 
regret  of  the  visitors  at  Bath,  resigned  his  situa- 
tion, and  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  King ;  and  the 
Lower  Rooms  received  Mr.  Le  Basy  as  Master 
of  the  Ceremonies,  from  Margate ;  but  this  gen- 
tleman, after  an  ineffectual  struggle  of  three 
years,  was  compelled  to  retire,  owing  to  the  de- 
serted state  of  the  rooms.  In  1810,  some  warm 
friends  to  the  original  establishment,  roused 
from  their  apathy,  placed  the  above  Assembly 
on  an  improved  footing,  and  on  the  1st  of  No- 
vember, Francis  John  Guynette  was  unanimously 
elected  Master  of  the  Ceremonies.  After  a 
short  reign,  Mr.  Heaviside  succeeded  the  above 
gentleman.  On  the  death  of  Mr.  King,  at  Chel- 
tenham, October  16,  1816,  five  candidates 
offered  themselves,  and  an  election  took  place 
for  this  lucrative  and  respectable  situation,  on 
the  21st  of  November;  but  on  the  previous  day 
Captains  Marshall  and  Thornhill  resigned.  The 
election  fell  on  Captain  Wyke,  whose  numbers 
were  258 ;  Mr.  Heaviside  195;  and  Mr.  Mad- 
den 110.  Mr.  Heaviside  continued  to  preside 
as  M.  C.  at  the  Lower  Rooms,  till  Captain 
Wyke  retired  from  his  office  to  fill  an  important 
situation  abroad ;  when  he  was  translated  to  fill 
the  above  Captain's  place,  where  the  polite 
and  gentlemanly  conduct  of  Mr.  H.  is  highly 
appreciated,  by  the  elegant  visitors  of  these  un- 
rivalled assemblies. 


130  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

The  following  Rules  and  Regulations,  published  by  the  Master 
of'  the  Ceremonies,  are  hung  up  in  the 

NEW  ASSEMBLY  ROOMS. 
The  public  amusements  during  the  season  are  as  follow  : — 

Monday  Night Dress  Ball. 

Wednesday  Night Concert. 

Thursday  Night Fancy  Ball. 

Friday  Night Card  Assembly. 

N.  B.  The  Rooms  are  open  every  day  (Sunday  excepted) 
for  Cards. 

Bath,  New  Assembly  Rooms, 

Nov.  13,  1816. 

At  a  Committee  authorized  by  a  General  Meeting  of  the 
Subscribers  to  the  Dress  and  Cotillon  Balls  (which  was  held 
yesterday  pursuant  to  public  advertisement)  to  form  such 
rules  and  regulations,  relative  to  the  amusements  at  these 
Rooms,  as  might  appear  to  them  most  beneficial  to  the  public 
at  large. 

Col.  S.  COURTENAY,  in  the  Chair. 

RULES  : — 1.  "  That  the  power  of  direction  and  controul,as 
to  the  amusements  at  these  Rooms,  is  vested  in  such  ladies 
and  gentlemen  as  shall  subscribe  both  to  the  Dress  and  Cotil- 
lon Balls. 

2.  "  That  not  less  than  nine  subscribers  to  the  balls  be  com- 
petent to  call  a  general  meeting  upon   any  business  relative 
thereto ;  the   said  subscribers   to   leave  a  summons,  signed 
with  their  names,   upon  the  table  in  the  lobby,  for  the  space 
of  one  full  week  previous  to  such  meeting ;  which  summons 
shall  also  express  the  particular  purpose  for  which  such  meet- 
ing shall  be  called,  and  be    advertised  in  the    Bath  News- 
papers. 

3.  «  Resolved,  That  these  and  all  future  regulations  agreed 
to  in  general  meetings,  be  inserted  in  the  book   containing 
the  subscribers'  names,  signed  by  the  chairman  of  the  meet- 
ing for  the  time  being  ;  such  rules  and  regulations  not  to 
be  altered  by  any  authority,  on  any  pretence  whatever,  but 
at  a  General  Meeting  of  the  Subscribers  ;  and  that  one  copy 
of  these  rules  and  regulations  be  deposited  with  the  Master 
of  the  Ceremonies  for  the  time  being ;  and  another  with  the 
Renter  of  the  Rooms,  to  be  produced  at  any  time  when  i\ 
meeting  of  the  committee,  or  of  the  subscribers  to  both  Balls, 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  131 

shall  be  assembled  ;  or,  when  three  or  more  subscribers  shall 
desire  to  see  the  same. 

4.  "  That  the  Renter  of  these  Rooms  having  agreed  to  fur- 
nish lights,  music,  &c.  for  twenty-two  Dress  Balls,  (including 
the  two  Balls  for  the  Master  of  the  Ceremonies,  and  the  Ball 
on  the  night  of  the  King's  Birth-day,)  and  twenty  five  Co- 
tillon Balls,  no  annual  account  of  expenditure  will  be  re- 
quired of  him. 

"  SUBSCRIPTIONS  and  ADMISSION. 
"  (Dress  Balls.) 

5.  "  That  a  subscription  of  11. 10s.  to  the  Dress  Balls  shall 
entitle  the  subscriber  to  three  tickets  every  ball- night;  one 
for  the  subscriber,  not  transferable,  and  two  for  ladies.     These 
two  latter  tickets  will  be  transferable,  on  being  endorsed  by 
the  subscriber,   without  which  form    the  bearer  will  not  be 
admitted.     A  subscription  of  15s.  shall  entitle  the  subscriber 
to  one  ticket,  not- transfer  able. 

"  (Cotillon  Bail*.} 

6.  "  That  a  subscription  of  ll.  to  the  Cotillon  Balls  shall 
entitle  the  subscriber  to  one  ticket  every  ball-night :  this 
ticket  not  transferable. 

7.  "  That  no  person  whatever  be  admitted  into  the  Ball- 
Rooms  without  a  ticket ;  nor  any  visitor  or  stranger,  unless 
he  shall  previously  have  inserted  his  name  and   place  of 
abode  m  a  book  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose,  under  the  con- 
troul  of  the  Master  of  the  Ceremonies. 

8.  "  The  subscribers  are  respectfully  requested  to  observe, 
that  their  subscriptions  cease  when   they  leave   Bath ;  and  it 
would  be  of  much  public  utility,  if  they  would  be  pleased  to 
give  notice   at  the  Rooms  of  their  departure,  which  would 
prevent  their  tickets  being  improperly  used. 

"  RULES  RELATING  TO  THE  BALLS. 

9.  "  That  the  Balls  at  these  Rooms  do  commence  at  eight 
o'clock  in  the  evening;  a  quarter  of  an  hour  beibre  which 
lime  the  Rooms  shall  regularly  and   properly  be  lighted  up; 
and  that  the  dancing  shall  cease  at   half-past  eleven  o'clock 
precisely,  except  on  the  night  of  the  King's  Birth-day,  and 
on  the  nights  of  the  two  balls  given  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Master  of  the  Ceremonies,  when  the  time  of  dancing  shall 
he  unlimited. 

K    2 


132  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

10.  "  That  every  person,  on  admission  to  these  Rooms  on 
ball-nights,  shall  pay  sixpence  for  their  tea. 

11.  '« That  the  three  front  benches  at  the   upper  end  of 
the  room  be  reserved  for  ladies  of  precedence,  of  the  rank 
of  Peeresses  of  Great  Britain  or  Ireland. 

12.  "That  a  reasonable  time  shall  be  allowed  between  the 
Minuets   and  Country-Dances  for   ladies  of  precedence  to 
take  their  places  in  the  dance  ;  and  that  those  ladies  who 
shall  stand  up  after  the  dance  shall  have  commenced,  must 
take  their  places  successively  at  the  bottom. 

13.  "  That  no  lady,   after  she  shall  have  taken  her  place 
in  the  set,  do  permit  another  to  come  above  her  in  the  dance. 

14.  "  That  ladies  are  to  be  considered  perfectly  free  in 
regard  to  accepting  or  declining  partners. 

15.  "  That  it  is  the  positive  order  of  the  Committee,   that 
no  servant  whatever  shall  be  admitted  into  the  vestibule  or 
gallery,  on  any  occasion,  or  on  any  pretence  whatever,  on 
ball-nights. 

16.  "  That  no  gentleman  in  boots  or  half-boots   be  ad- 
mitted into  the  Ball-Rooms  on  ball-nights,  except  Officers  of 
the  Navy,  or  of  the  Army  on  duty,  in  uniform;  and  then 
without  their  swords.     Trowsers  or  coloured  pantaloons  not 
to  be  permitted  on  any  account. 

"  MASTER  OF  THE  CEREMONIES. 

17.  "  That  the  Master  of  the  Ceremonies  do  attend  at  a 
quarter  of  an  hour  before  eight  o'clock  on  ball-nights  to  re- 
ceive the  company. 

18.  "  That  the  Master  of  the  Ceremonies,  on  observing,  or 
receiving  information  of  any  person's  acting  in  opposition  to 
these  resolutions,  do  signify  to  such  person,  that,  as  Master  of 
the  Ceremonies,  it  is  his  duty  to  see  that  proper  decorum  be 
preserved,  and  these  orders  obeyed  ;  in  the  proper  and  im- 
partial execution  of  which  duty  he  will  be  supported  by  the 
subscribers  at  large, 

"  Resolved, — That  these  regulations  be  printed,  frahied 
and  glazed,  and  fixed  in  a  conspicuous  part  of  the  Rooms,  for 
public  information ;  not  to  be  taken  down  on  any  pretence 
whatever,  in  order  that  they  may  remain  as  a  public  docu- 
ment." 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  133 

COMMITTEE. 

Lt.-Col.  Anstey,  Gen.  Johnson, 

Lt.-Col.  Brown,  Lt.-Col.  Mackenzie, 

VV.  L.  Caldecot,  Esq.  Capt.  Mainwaring,  R.N. 

J.  Choppin,  Esq.  Gen.  Morrison. 

Col.  Courtnay,  Rev.  Dr.  Walsh, 

Gen.  Sir  T.  Dallas,  K.C.B.    Tho.  Wilkinson,  Esq. 
H.  Deacon,  Esq. 

C.  S.  COURTENAY,  Chairman. 

NEW  ARTICLES,  AT  THE  NEW  ROOMS. 
Bath  Upper  Assembly -Rooms,   December  14, 
1816.     At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  to  these 
Balls  this  day,  it  was  unanimously  resolved:  — 

A  person  inadmissible  to  these  rooms  having  been  admitted 
to  the  Dress  Ball,  on  the  night  of  the  12th  instant,  and  hav- 
ing in  consequence  been  desired  by  the  M.  C.  to  withdraw, 
the  Committee  feel  themselves  bound  to  express  their  ap- 
probation of  the  conduct  of  the  M.  C.  on  that  occasion. 

And  it  having  been  represented  to  the  Committee,  that 
many  improper  persons  have  at  various  times  obtruded 
themselves  into  these  assemblies,  it  is  unanimously  re- 
solved, that  no  Clerk,  hired  or  otherwise,  in  this  city  and 
neighbourhood — no  person  concerned  in  retail  trade — no 
theatrical  nor  public  performer  by  profession,  shall  be  ad- 
mitted. 

And  as  a  further  instruction  to  the  M.  C.  and  with  a  due 
regard  to  the  selection  of  company,  which  the  Committee 
feel  should  be  scrupulously  attended  to,  he  is  hereby  di- 
rected to  desire  any  person,  whom  from  circumstances  he 
may  deem  inadmissible,  to  withdraw  immediately  ;  and  in 
case  of  non-compliance  with  his  request,  it  is  ordered  that 
hf  report  the  same  to  the  Committee. 

C.  S.  COURTENAY,  Chairman. 

Bath  Upper  Assembly-Rooms,  December  23, 
1816,  at  a  Committee  to  these  Balls,  held  this 
day,  it  was  unanimously  resolved  :  — 

1.  "  That   from   the   earliest  institution  of  these  Rooms, 


134  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

the  regulations  relating  to  dancing,  and  all  points  of  etiquette 
at  the  Balls,  having  been  left  to  the  M.  C.  for  the  time 
being,  and  that  (he  rules  and  orders  suggested  by  him  as  to 
these  having  been  invariably  acquiesced  in,  and  acted  upon 
by  the  company  frequenting  the  balls. 

2.  "  That  the  same  authority,  so  exercised  by  all  preceding 
Masters  of  the  Ceremonies,  belongs   of  right  to  every  suc- 
cessor to  this  office  ;  and  that  it  is  incumbent  upon  the  sub- 
scribers (inasmuch   as  they  must  be  desirous  of  promoting 
good  order  and  decorum  in  these  assemblies)  to  conform  to 
the   regulations  of  the  M.  C.  and  to  support   him  in  their 
execution. 

3.  "  That  the  Master  of  the  Ceremonies  is  not  account- 
able to  any  individual  whatever,   who  may  dispute  or  object 
to  the  established  regulations  ;  but  in  case  of  any  misunder- 
standing arising  from  these,  or  other  matters  connected  with 
the  balls,  a  reference  must  be  made  to  the  Committee  of 
General  Management,  appointed  annually  by  the  subscribers 
at  large,  and  all  differences  amicably  submitted  to  them  for 
their  consideration  and  decision. 

4.  "  That  any  alteration  or  differences  respecting  the  re- 
gulations of  the  balls,  either  at  the  balls,  or  any  subsequent 
period,   (as  they  tend   to  disturb  the  harmony   so   requisite 
amongst  the  subscribers,)  will  be  considered  as  a  breach  of 
the  orders  of  the  Committee  and  noticed  accordingly." 

C.  S.  COURTENAY,  Chairman. 

What  joy  at  the  ball,  what  delight  have  I  found, 
By  all  the  bright  circles  encompass'd  around ! 
I've  read  how  the  goddesses  meet  all  above, 
And  throng  the  immortal  assemblies  of  Jove  j 
When  join'd  with  the  Graces,  fair  Venus  appears, 
Ambrosial  sweet  odours  perfume  all  the  spheres  : 
But  the  goddess  of  Love,  and  the  Graces,  and  all, 
Must  yield  to  the  beauties  I've  seen  at  the  ball; ' 
For  Jove  never  felt  such  a  joy  at  his  heart, 
Such  a  heat  as  these  charming  sweet  creatures  impart. 
In  short — there  is  something  in  very  fine  women, 
When  they  meet  altogether — that's  quite  overcoming. 

But,  lo  !  on  a  sudden  what  multitudes  pour 
From  Cambrian  mountains,  from  India's  shore ; 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.        135 

Bright  maidens,  bright  widows,  and  fortunate  swains, 

Who  cultivate  LifFey's  sweet  borders  and  plains  ; 

And  they  who  their  flocks  in  lair  Albion  feed, 

Rich  flocks,  and  rich  herds,  (so  the  gods  have  decreed), 

Since  they  quitted  the  pleasanter  banks  of  the  Tweed. 

Yet  here  no  confusion,  no  tumult  is  known, 

Fair  order  and  beauty  establish  their  throne. 

But  hark  !  now  they  strike  the  melodious  string, 
The  vaulted  roof  echoes,  the  mansions  all  ring ; 
At  the  sound  of  the  hautboy,  the  bass,  and  the  fiddle, 
SIR  BOREAS  BLUBBER  steps  forth  in  the  middle; 
Like  a  holyhock,  noble,  majestic,  and  tall, 
SIR  BoREAsBntBBER  first  opens  the  ball  : 
How  nimbly  he  paces,  how  active  and  light ! 
One  never  can  judge  of  a  man  at  first  sight  : 
But  as  near  as  I  guess  from  the  size  of  his  calf, 
He  may  weigh  about  twenty-three  stone  and  a  half. 
Now  why  should  I  mention  a  hundred  or  more, 
Who  went  the  same  circle  as  others  before, 
To  a  tune  that  they  play'd  us  a  hundred  times  o'er  ? 

But  who  is  that  bombazine  lady  so  gay, 
So  profuse  of  her  beauties,  in  sable  array  ? 
How  she  rests  on  her  heel,  how  she  turns  out  her  toe, 
How  she  pulls  down  her  stays,  with  her  head  up,  to  show 
Her  lily-white  bosom  that  rivals  the  snow! 
Tis  the  undoujQuiCKLACKiT,  whose  husband  last  week, 
Poor  STEPHEN,  went  suddenly  forth  in  a  pique, 
And  push'd  off  his  boat  for  the  Stygian  creek. 
Poor  STEPHEN  !  he  never  return'd  from  the  bourn, 
But  left  the  disconsolate  widow  to  mourn. 
Three  times  did  she  faint  when  she  heard  of  the  news ! 
Six  days  did  she  weep,  and  all  comfort  refuse  ; 
But  STEPHEN,  no  sorrow,  no  tears,  can  recall; 
So  she  hallows  the  seventh,  and  comes  to  the  BALL. 
For  music,  sweet  music,  has  charms  to  control, 
And  tune  up  each  passion  that  ruffles  the  soul : 
'Twas  music  that  brought  a  man's  wife  from  Old  Nick, 
And  at  BATH  has  the  power  to  recover  the  sick  ! 

The  SUBSCRIPTION  CONCERTS  are  also  held  at 
the  Upper  and  Lower  Rooms,  under  the  direc- 


136  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

tion  of  the   celebrated  flule  -  player,  Mr.  Ashe, 
since  the  death  of  the   all-admired   RAUZZINI. 
Mrs.  Ashe  is  also  well  known  to  the  musical 
world,  from  her  eminent  vocal  abilities.     Bath, 
for  the  last  sixty  years,  has  been  highly  distin- 
guished for  the  superiority  of  its  concerts,  and 
its  sound    musical  character.      These  concerts 
were  in  great  reputation  under  the  superintend- 
ence of  the  scientific  LINLEY,  and  his  rarely- 
gifted  musical   family,  consisting  of  T.  Linley, 
jun.  Miss  E.  Linley,  (afterwards  Mrs.  Sheridan,) 
Mrs.  Tickell,    and    Miss    M.  Linley;  and    the 
names  of  Guest,  Crotch,  &c.  may  be  added  to 
the  above  performers   without   any  decrease  of 
fame:  but  it  seems  they  did  not  arrive   at  that 
finished  perfection  (for  which  they  have  been  so 
highly  praised)  till   after   RAUZZINI,    accompa- 
nied by  La  Motte,  the  celebrated  violin -player, 
had  made  Bath  their  residence.     Under  the  di- 
rection of  the  former  they  flourished   beyond  all 
precedent,  and    the  great  musical  capacity  ex- 
hibited  in  them    extorted  admiration  from  the 
first  judges  of  musical  compositions  in  the  king- 
dom.      As   a   composer,   RAUZZINI  possessed 
talents  of  a  high  order ;  but,  as  a  teacher,  the 
names   of  Braham,   Signora   Storace,    Incledon, 
Mrs.  Mountain,  &c.  &c.  as  his  pupils,   suffici- 
ently evince  his  talents  in  this  respect  without 
any  farther  eulogium  on  his  merits  as  a   musi- 
cian. 

The  concerts  consist  of  nine  performances, 
the  terms  of  which  are  as  follow :  — 

A  subscriber  of  <£5  : 15  : 6  is  entitled  to  three  tickets 
for  each  concert,  all  of  which  are  transferable  to  ladies 
only. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  137 

A  subscriber  of  ,£4  :  10  :0  is  entitled  to  two  tickets  for 
each  concert,  both  transferable  to  ladies  only. 

A  subscriber  of  ^2  :  12  :  6  is  entitled  to  a  ticket  for  each 
concert,  transferable  to  a  lady  only. 

For  the  accommodation  of  strangers,  subscriptions  are 
also  received  for  part  of  the  concerts,  on  the  following 
terms : — 

A  subscriber  of  ^3  :  3  :  0  will  receive  three,  tickets  for 
each  of  the  four  concerts  following  such  subscription,  trans- 
ferable to  ladies  only. 

A  subscriber  of  ,£%  .6:0,  two  tickets,  transferable  to 
ladies  only,  for  each  of  the  four  concerts  following  such  sub- 
scription. 

A  subscriber  of  £\  :  6  :  0,  one  ticket,  transferable  to  a 
rady  only,  for  each  of  the  four  concerts  following  such  sub- 
scription. 

Non-subscribers  pay  8s.  to  each  concert. 

On  returning  through  the  CIRCUS,  upon  the  left 
is  Gay-Street,  full  of  respectable  residences, 
leading  into  Queen-Square.  It  is  an  open  and 
desirable  situation,  and  the  north  side  of  which  is 
much  admired  for  the  great  taste  and  architectural 
talent  displayed  in  its  erection.  Queen-Square  is 
not  only  magnificent  but  chaste  ;  and  the  body 
of  the  Corinthian  order  upon  a  rustic  basement, 
is  encircled  in  the  highest  style  of  ornament,  that 
this  elegant  order  is  capable  of  extending.  In 
the  centre  of  this  capacious  square,  enclosed  in 
an  iron -railing,  is  an  obelisk  of  seventy  feet 
high,  bearing  the  following  inscription  : — 

In  Memory  of  Honors  conferred, 
And  in  Gratitude  for  Benefits  bestowed  on  this  City, 

Bj  his  Royal  Highness 

FREDERICK  PRINCE  o*  WALES 

And  his  ROYAL  CONSORT, 

In  the  Year  M,DCC,XXXVII. 

This  obelisk  is  erected 
By  RICHARD  NASH,  Esq. 


138  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

The  above  obelisk,  from  its  thin  appearance, 
is  not  very  imposing;  but,  when  first  erected,  it 
seems,  its  base  was  surrounded  by  a  piece  of 
water,  which,  in  consequence  of  its  becoming 
stagnate  and  made  use  of  as  a  receptacle  for 
filth,  it  was  filled  up,  and  the  ground  raised,  by 
which  the  pyramid  lost  its  base.  It  was  in  the 
construction  of  this  square,  that  the  superior 
talents  of  the  senior  Mr.  WOOD,  as  an  architect, 
first  discovered  themselves  to  the  admiration  of 
the  inhabitants  and  visitors  of  the  City  of  Bath  ; 
and  whatever  praise  might  have  been  due  to  the 
celebrated  NASH  for  the  exertions  he  made  to- 
wards rendering  Bath  the  scene  of  gaiety,  ele- 
gance, urbanity,  and  health,  and  also  in  placing 
its  amusements  upon  an  eminence  unrivalled — an 
eulogium  of  as  high  an  import  is  equally  due  to 
the  spirited  zeal,  industry,  and  abilities  of  the 
architect  WOOD,  in  giving,  as  it  were, 

To  airy  nothing, 
A  local  habitation  and  a  name, 

from  his  numerous  erections  of  splendid  squares, 
parades,  streets,  &c.  before  he  died  in  1754,  and 
of  whom  it  has  been  asserted,  that  he  "  had  either 
actually  built,  or  entered  into  engagements  for 
building  over  a  tract  of  ground  THREE  TIMES 
the  extent  of  the  original  City/'  It  is  due, 
therefore  from  every  native  of  Bath,  to  couple 
the  names  of  NASH  and  WOOD  together,  as  the 
fathers  of  this  truly  elegant  City  ;  and  also  as  a 
means  of  handing  down  to  posterity  their  highly 
cultivated  talents,  with  the  most  unfeigned  rap- 
ture, admiration,  and  gratitude.  At  the  south- 
west corner  of  this  square,  dedicated  to  the 
Virgin  Mary,,  is  Queen-Square-Chapel,  built  by 


» 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  139 

the  above  architect  in  1735,  and  is  another  spe- 
cimen of  his  skill  in  building.  It  is  a  chapel  of 
ease  to  Walcot.  Its  exterior  is  of  the  Doric  order ; 
and  its  appearance  is  rather  handsome :  the  inte- 
rior of  which  is  Ionic,  and  is  also  elegant  and  in- 
teresting. In  length  57  feet,  48  in  breadth,  and 
in  height  36.  It  was  built  by  subscription  by  a 
company  of  gentlemen,  and  the  shares  are  trans- 
ferable. Divine  Service  is  performed  here  every 
alternate  day  at  a  quarter  after  eleven ;  and 
twice  every  Sunday  at  a  quarter  after  eleven  and 
at  three.  In  order  to  give  a  little  variety  to  the 
walk  in  returning  home  from  Queen- Square,  the 
Gravel-Walk  affords  a  pleasing  relief  and  pro- 
spect, at  the  end  of  which  is  Church-Street,  when 
Portland  Chapel  soon  offers  us  a  direction  to 
the  Place  from  whence  the  traveller  set  out. 


140  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 


WALK  IV. 


From  Milsom- Street  through  Quiet- Street,  Wood- 
Street,  Bart  on- Street,  into  Beaufort- Square,  to  the 
THEATRE.  Trim-Street,  (UNITARIAN  CHAPEL;) 
Gascoyn-Place,  (the  BLUE  SCHOOL;)  the  COAL- 
MARKET;  Saw's  -  Close,  Westgate  -  Street,  Bath- 
Lane,  Parsonge  Lane,  (the  PARSONAGE  -  HOUSE,) 
Cheap-Street,  High-Street,  (MARKET-HOUSE  AND 
THE  GUILDHALL,)  Northumberland  -  Buildings, 
Northgate  -  Street.  Upper  Borough  -  Walls,  New 
Bond,  Green,  and  Broad  Streets.  (ST.  MICHAEL'S 
CHURCH,)  Walcot  and  Cornwall  Streets.  (CATTLE 
and  CORN-MARKT,)  Lady-Mead,  (BATH  PENI- 
TENTIARY and  LOCK  HOSPITAL,)  Chatham-How, 
(WALCOT  CHURCH,)  London  -  Terrace,  Camden- 
Street,  Nelson  and  Margaret  Places,  Walcot- 
Parade.  To  the  FERRY  and  Henrietta-Street. 


To  those  visitors  who  give  the  preference  to  ac- 
tive life  and  fashionable  bustle,  Milsom- Street 
affords  a  most  pleasant  and  lively  residence  ;  and 
whether  in,  or  out  of  the  Season,  it  is  highly  at- 
tractive ;  in  short,  it  is  the  very  magnet  of  Bath, 
and  if  there  is  any  company  or  movement  in  the 
City,  Milsom- Street  is  the  pulse  of  it. 

The  beaux  in  Milsom-Street,  who  sought  renown, 
By  walking  up,  in  order  to  walk  down  I—- 
On turning  to  the  right,   it  should  seem  as  if 
the  next  thoroughfare  had    been  called  after  its 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  141 

present  designation,  Quiet-Street,  by  way  of 
a  contrast  or  set-off  to  the  above  fashionable 
promenade.  Wood-Street  continues  in  the  same 
line  (passing  by  Queen-Street  on  the  left,  and  St. 
John-Street  on  the  right,)  till  Queen-Square  ap- 
pears*; this  elegant  monumental  remembrance  of 
the  talents  of  its  architect,  the  senior  Mr. 
WOOD.  Turn  down  into  Barton-Street,  in  the 
middle  of  which  is  Harrington-Place,  exciting 
no  particular  interest.  At  the  bottom  of  Bar~ 
ton- Street,  on  the  right,  is  Beaufort- Square.  As 
a  place  of  residence  it  has  no  pretensions  what- 
ever, the  houses  being  small  and  irregularly 
built,  and  the  inhabitants,  chiefly  tradespeople. 
This  square,  as  it  is  termed,  is  only  important 
from  its  containing  the  grand  entrance  to  the 
NEW  THEATRE  ROYAL,  which  has  an  elegant 
and  attractive  appearance,  and  is  enclosed  with 
iron  rails,  with  a  large  open  space  gravelled  be- 
fore it. 

What  though  our  stage  some  few  recruits  may  own, 

As  senseless  as  the  boards  they  tread  upon  ; 

Though  here,  at  times,  some  heroes  may  be  found, 

Who  bid  defiance  both  to  sense  and  sound  ! — 

Confounding  every  passage  they  rehearse, 

Bad  by  degrees  and  miserably  worse  ; 

Yet  in  this  soil,  by  favour's  sunshine  reared, 

Some  buds  of  real  talent  have  appeared  ; 

Aud  splendid  STABS* now  grace  the  London  sphere, 

Whose  earliest  rays  were  nursed  and  kindled  here. 

*  It  was  upon  the  Bath  stage  that  Mrs.  Crawford,  Mrs. 
Abingdon,  Miss  Brunton,  Miss  Wallis,  Mrs.  Siddons,  and 
Miss  Smith,  first  developed  their  great  talents ;  as  did  also 
Mesrss.  Henderson,  Incledon,  Edwin,  Lovegrove,  Murray, 
C.  Taylor,  and  Elliston  :  and  of  a  more  recent  date,  the 
above  theatre  has  been  distinguished  with  some  performers 
of  rising  merit,  among  whom  maybe  noticed,  Mrs.  W.  Chat- 


142  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

The  first  regular  erected  Theatre  in  Bath  was 
in  the  year  1730,  and  which,  it  appears,  did  not, 
when  well  filled,  hold  more  than  £30;  but  it 
was  a  most  miserable  concern,  and  so  badly  at- 
tended, that  many  of  the  principal  performers 
were  compelled  to  retire  to  rest  with  appetites 
not  of  the  most  enviable  description.  Such  has 
been  the  vicissitudes  of  many  of  the  great  heroes 
of  the  Sock  am]  Buskin,  if  their  present  eminence 
does  not  refuse  the  recollection  of  such  days  of 
poverty  and  nights  of  sorrow.  However,  when 
theatricals  became  rather  more  attractive,  a  New 
Play-House  was  erected,  in  Orchard-Street,  by 
subscription;  but  this  speculation  soon  met  with 
an  unexpected  opposition  from  a  Mr.  Simpson, 
who  patched  up  a  sort  of  Theatre  under  the 
Great  Bail-Room.  This  rivalry,  as  might  be 
anticipated,  did  not  last  any  great  length  of 
time,  as  ruin  stared  both  the  Managers  in  the 
face ;  when  Mr.  Simpson,  with  much  propriety, 
ceased  all  opposition  upon  a  substantial  pension 
of  £200  per  annum.  In  1767,  it  became  a 
THEATRE  ROYAL,  under  the  direction  of  the 
late  JOHN  PALMER,  Esq.  From  this  period, 
theatrical  amusements  rose  rapidly  into  estima- 
tion, and  obtained  considerable  patronage  at 
Bath  ;  and  under  the  various  managements  of 
Messrs.  ARTHUR,  LEE,  KEASBERY,  and  the 
late  W.  DIMOND,  Esq.  the  performances  not 
only  arrived  at  such  a  degree  of  excellence,  but 
ultimately  proved  a  nursery  for  several  of  the 
greatest  actors,  both  male  and  female,  that  have 
for  the  last  fifty  years  adorned  the  stages  of  the 

terly,  and  Messrs.  Ward,   Woulds,   Mallinson,  Blisset,   W . 
Chatterley,  &c. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  143 

metropolis  with  the  highest  specimens  of  his- 
trionic talents.  The  late  W.  DTMOND,  Esq. 
added  to  his  abilities  as  a  manager,  was  also  an 
actor,  both  in  tragedy  and  comedy,  of  the  first 
rank.  His  son  William,  the  author  of  the  Hero 
of  the  North,  the  Foundling  of  the  Forest, 
Adrian  and  Orrilla,  and  several  other  popular 
dramatic  pieces,  independent  of  various  poetical 
productions,  has  succeeded  him  in  a  share  of  the 
property  and  management  of  the  Theatre ;  but 
which  at  present  is  placed  under  the  able  con- 
duct of  Mr.  Charlton. 

The  Theatre,  in  Orchard-Street,  was  at  length 
found  too  small  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
great  increase  of  fashionable  company  ;  and  the 
present  NEW  THEATRE-ROYAL  in  Beaufort- 
Square  and  in  Saw-Close,  was  opened  in  Oc- 
tober 12,  1805.  Its  classical  front,  in  the  above 
square,  was  designed  by  Nath.  Dance,  Esq. 
and  built  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Palmer,  a 
most  ingenious  and  able  architect,  who  has  hap- 
pily united  convenience  with  elegance.  The  situa- 
tion is  central,  and  its  approach  extremely  safe 
from  its  three  distinct  entrances.  The  exterior 
is  handsome;  but  its  interior  is  finished  in  such 
a  high  state  of  excellence,  as  to  vie  with  any 
building  of  a  similar  description.  Its  cieling, 
which  is  divided  into  four  compartments,  has  to 
boast  of  some  rich  paintings  by  Cassalie,  purchased 
at  the  memorable  sale  of  Foiithill,  by  Mr.  ME- 
THUEN,  and  who  made  them  a  present  to  the 
proprietors  of  the  Theatre.  The  decorations 
are  very  splendid  ;  and  the  colouring  and  gilt 
mouldings  executed  with  much  taste  and  effect. 
There  are  three  tier  of  boxes.  The  private  ones, 


144  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

which  are  twenty-six  in  number,  are  enclosed 
with  gilt  lattices.  The  tout  ensemble  of  the 
Theatre  has  a  light,  elegant,  and  classical  ap- 
pearance, in  consequence  of  the  pillars  (which 
are  of  cast  iron)  being  placed  at  the  distance  of 
two  feet  from  the  front,  by  which  the  first  row 
of  each  circle  of  the  boxes  appear  as  a  balcony, 
and  not  connected  with  the  building.  The  pri- 
vate boxes  have  also  an  elegant  suite  of  retiring 
rooms ;  and  the  entrance  to  which  is  by  a  pri- 
vate house.  The  length  of  the  grand  front  in 
Beaufort-Square  is  about  125  feet;  60  wide, 
and  70  high :  there  are  also  various  other  build- 
ings connected  with  the  exterior,  such  as  dress- 
ing and  scene  rooms,  wardrobes,  &c.  The 
scenery  is  also  excellent ;  and  the  machinery  is 
equally  good  ;  in  short,  the  above  Theatre,  from 
its  size  not  being  so  extensive  as  those  of  Covent- 
Garden  and  Drury-Lane,  both  the  eye  and  the 
ear  derive  the  necessary  gratification  of  seeing, 
hearing,  and  comprehending  the  performances 
before  them.  It  will  hold  nearly  £350,  at  5s. 
to  the  Boxes;  3s.  to  the  Pit;  and  Is.  6d.  to  the 
Gallery.  The  days  of  performance  are  on 
Tuesdays,  Thursdays,  and  Saturdays. 

On  quitting  Beaufort-Square  the  visitor  finds 
himself  in  Trim-Street,  conspicuous  in  no  other 
respect,  but  merely  containing  the  Unitarian 
Chapel,  which  is  rather  a  handsome  erec- 
tion. It  is  distinguished  for  its  excellent  sing- 
ing, and  also  for  the  neatness  of  its  pews  and  gal- 
leries. Divine  service  is  performed  twice  every 
Sunday.  To  the  left  of  the  above  street  is  Gas- 
coyn-Place,  and  the  BLUE  SCHOOL  soon  appears 
in  sight.  This  most  excellent  charity,  it  seems, 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  145 

was  projected  in  the  year  1711,  and  the  present 
school-house,  erected  by  Mr.  Killegrew,  the 
architect,  at  the  expense  of  £1000,  in  1722, 
by  the  active  benevolence  of  the  pious  Robert 
Nelson,  Esq.  It  is  an  establishment  for  the 
education  of  50  poor  boys,  and  the  same  number 
of  girls ;  the  former  are  instructed  in  reading, 
writing;,  and  arithmetic;  and  the  latter  in  sewing, 
knitting,  and  housewifery  business.  On  the  12th 
of  October,  17*22,  Mr.  Hoare  laid  the  founda- 
tion-stone, bearing  this  inscription:  — 

"  God's  Providence  is  our  Inheritance." 

The  age  of  admission  is  from  six  to  twelve 
years  of  age;  and  at  fourteen,  a  premium,  not 
exceeding  o£^6,  is  given  with  each  boy  on  his 
bfin»-  apprenticed  out  to  a  trade — with  every 
girl  £2.  It  has  ten  trustees,  including  the 
Mayor  and  two  magistrates  of  the  City,  with 
the  Rectors  of  Bath  and  Walcot.  It  is  sup- 
ported by  collections  at  the  churches  and  cha- 
pels ;  by  donations  ;  and  from  annual  subscrip- 
tions. Contiguous  to  the  above  school-house,  in 
the  open  space,  the  Coal  -  Market  is  situated, 
where  carts  filled  with  coals  always  stand  ready 
for  sale,  and  where  the  passenger  is  as  much 
assailed,  in  fact,  more  bothered  and  annoyed 
by  these  carmen  to  purchase  their  articles,  and 
compelled  to  stop  a:ul  hear  the  various  merits 
of  their  coals,*  than  by  a  Monmouth-Street 

*  The  neighbourhood  of  Bath  presents  a  large  quantity 
of  this  fossile  production  ;  which  runs  to  the  southward  as 
far  as  Mendip,  continues  on  the  Wiltshire  side  till  it  ap- 
proaches the  chalk,  and  stretches  away  into  Gloucestershire, 
beyond  the  city  of  Bristol.  The  coal-works,  with  which 

L 


146        WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

barker  in  London.  It  is  no  uncommon  thing 
for  ten  or  a  dozen  of  the  above  rude  and  uncul- 
tivated beings  to  surround  a  person  with  their 
teasings  to  become  a  purchaser.  On  the  right 
in  this  space,  called  Saw's  Close,  is  the  Garrick's 
Head  Tavern,  and  the  carriage  entrance  to  the 

Bath  is  chiefly  connected,  lie  on  the  north  ami  south  side 
of  the  Somerset  Coal-Canal ;  in  a  direction  from  the  south- 
west to  the  north-east,  dipping  about  nine  inches  in  a  yard, 
though  the  vein  is  frequently  interrupted  by  what  the  work- 
men call  a  fault,  a  separation  occasioned  by  an  early  dis- 
ruption or  sinking  of  the  earth,  sometimes  to  the  depth  of 
100  fathoms.  Most  of  the  works  are  from  90  to  130  fa- 
thoms deep,  and  extend  in  some  instances  nearly  a  mile 
from  the  bottom  of  the  shaft ;  but  those  which  repay  the 
proprietor  are  of  four  sorts,  and  termed  the  great,  the  tittle, 
the  middle,  and  the  sliving  veins.  The  principal  coal-works 
are  those  of  Radstock,  Caraerton,  Dunkerton,  High  Little- 
ton, Timsbury,  Paulton,  Welton,  and  Writhlington.  The 
first  of  them  sink  to  the  depth  of  42  fathoms,  affording 
veins  of  various  thickness ;  the  most  valuable  of  which  mea- 
sure nearly  two  feet.  Their  produce  is  1600  bushels  per 
week  upon  an  average.  The  Earl  of  WaldegraVe  is  the 
lord,  and  has  for  his  portion  one-eighth  of  the  produce. 

In  the  Camerton  mines,  red-clay  and  red-stone  continue 
to  the  depth  of  20  fathoms,  or  more,  contiguous  to  the  coal. 
About  Midsomer- Norton,  Stratton-on-the-Fosse,  and  Kil- 
mersdon,  the  pits  are  supposed  to  yield  weekly  from  800 
to  1000  tons,  requiring  the  labour  of  at  least  500  men. 

There  are  about  ten  coal-works  in  the  northern,  or  Tims- 
bury,  line  of  the  Coal-Canal  j  which,  it  is  calculated,  pro- 
duce each  (one  day  with  another)  25  tons  per  day,  reckon- 
ing 300  working  days  in  the  year  j  and  this,  exclusive  of 
home  consumption,  coal  for  fire-engines,  labourers,  &c.  The 
southern  line  affords  about  half  the  quantity.  The  price  at 
the  pit's  mouth  is  invariably  the  same  ;  sevenpence  per 
bushel,  or  three-quarters  of  the  hundred;  but  the  hard, 
compact,  and  solid  coal  is  preferred  to  every  other  sort.— 
The  coal  of  Newton  is  inferior  to  all  the  above,  and  chiefly 
used  for  obtaining  coke. — WARNER. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  147 

Theatre.  Near  to  which,  on  the  opposite  side 
of  the  road,  are  the  warehouses  of  Symes  and 
Michell,  the  London  carriers.  On  turning  to  the 
left,  when  leaving  the  Close,  is  West  gate-Street. 
Trade  is  the  leading  feature  of  this  part  of  the 
town,  and  several  well-furnished  shops  are  to  be 
met  with.  Pass  Bath  and  Parsonage  Lanes ;  at 
the  corner  of  the  latter  stands  the  PARSONAGE- 
HOUSE,  which  is  a  very  neat  building  of  free- 
stone. In  the  front  of  it  is  a  large  space,  gra- 
velled to  admit  carriages,  which  is  enclosed  with 
iron  rails ;  and  it  has  also  a  good  entrance 
through  iron  gates,  and  carries  witli  it  such  an  air 
of  importance,  that  few  visitors  could  pass  this 
handsome  residence  without  the  interrogation 
being  applied,  of  Who  does  it  belong  to  ?  The 
living  attached  to  it  is  £800  per  annum,  it 
seems  ;  and  the  Rector  had  also  the  honour  of 
being  appointed  one  of  the  Chaplains  to  the 
Queen,  during  her  late  Majesty's  visit  to  Bath. 
Thanks  to  modern  improvement,  there  is  some 
little  difference  between  the  village  Preacher  of 
GOLDSMITH  and  his  modest  mansion,  con- 
trasted with  the  dwellings  of  the  clergy  of  the 
present  period  :  GOLDSMITH'S  Parson  may  do 
very  well,  and  gain  admiration  as  a  pleasing 
poetic  description,  but  for  congregations  now- 
a-days  to  expect  their  teachers  to  sequester 
themselves  from  the  Beau  Monde,  would  not 
only  prove  too  much  of  the  Gothic,  but  ro- 
mantic in  the  extreme  : — 

Near  yonder  copse,  where  once  the  garden  srail'd, 
And  still  where  many  a  garden  flower  grows  wild, 
There,  where  a  few  torn  shrubs  the  place  disclose, 
The  village  preacher's  modest  mansion  rose. 

L'2 


148  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

A  man  he  was  to  all  the  country  dear, 

And  passing  rich,  with  forty  pounds  a  year  ; 

Remote  from  towns  he  ran  his  godly  race, 

Nor.  e'er  had  chang'd,  nor  wish'd  to  change  his  place  ; 

Unskilful  he  to  fawn,  or  seek  for  pow'r, 

By  doctrines  fashion'd  to  the  varying  hour. 

Far  other  aims  his  heart  had  learn'd  to  prize, 

More  bent  to  raise  the  wretched  than  to  rise ; 

His  house  was  known  to  all  the  vagrant  train, 

He  chid  their  wand'rings,  but  reliev'd  their  pain. 

But  a  facetious  poet  (ANSTEY)  seems  to  have 
been  more  apposite  in  his  view  of  the  reality  of 
the  subject,  in  thus  describing  modern  Clergy- 
men partaking  of  all  the  gaieties  of  fashionable 
life,  dancing  at  the  balls,  &c. 

See  little  Bob  Jerom,  Old  Chrysostora's  son, 
With  a  chitierling  shirt,  and  a  buckle  of  stone, — 
What  a  cropt  head  of  hair  the  young  parson  has  on ! 
Emerg'd  from  his  grizzle,  th'  unfortunate  prig, 
Seems  as  if  he  was  hunting  all  night  for  his  wig ; 
Not  perfectly  pleas'd  with  the  coat  on  his  back, 
Though  the  coat's  a  good  coat,  but  alas,  it  is  black  ! 
With  curious  eyes  he  is  doom'd  to  behold 
The  captain's  red  suit  that's  embroider'd  with  gold  ! 
How  seldom  mankind  are  content  with  their  lot, 
Bob  Jerora  two  very  good  livings  has  got. 
Yet  still  he  accuses  his  parents,  deceas'd, 
For  making  a  man  of  such  spirit  a  priest. 

O  trust  me,  blest  spirit,  I  ne'er  would  offend 
One  innocent  virgin,  one  virtuous  friend  ; 
From  Nature  alone  are  my  characters  drawn, 
From  LITTLE  Bob  Jerom  to  bishops  in  lawn. 

At  the  bottom  of  Parsonage- Lane  is  Cheap - 
Street,  where  the  houses  are  good,  and  the 
shops  of  the  most  respectable  description.  Pro- 
ceeding onwards,  the  Market  -  House  and  the 
Guildhall,  in  High-Street,  attractively  arrests 
the  progress  of  the  visitor.  On  the  right, 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  149 

the  venerable  ABBEY  may  be  said  to  be  nearly 
obscured,  except  just  peeping,  as  it  were,  over 
the  tops  of  some  irregularly  built  houses  : — 

The  citizens  of  Bath,  with  vast  delight, 
To  hide  their  noble  church  from  vulgar  sight, 
Surround  its  venerable  sides  with  shops, 
And  decorate  its  walls  with  chimney  tops  ! 

The  Public  Market  is  a  structure  well  de- 
serving the  attention  of  every  visitor  of  Bath, 
not  only  from  its  very  judicious  construction, 
but  for  its  convenience,  cleanliness,  and  good 
order.  The  market-days  are  on  Wednesdays  and 
Saturdays.  It  is  also  of  great  extent,  and  the 
shambles  are  secured  from  rain,  which  are  prin- 
cipally occupied  by  the  country  butchers :  the 
meat  is  excellent,  and  is  remarkable  for  the 
neatness  with  which  it  is  slaughtered.  The 
Green-Market  is  also  well  laid  out,  and  pro- 
perly supplied  with  vegetables  in  the  greatest 
perfection. 

The  Butter  and  Pork  Market  is  a  large 
building  connected  with  the  butchers'  shambles. 
The  butter  is  peculiarly  tine,  and  may  be  deemed 
one  of  the  luxuries  of  Bath.  The  fish  and 
poultry  stalls  are  also  convenient  and  well 
supplied,  which  are  in  rows  in  the  front  of  the 
market.  In  short,  an  hour  or  two  may  be  well 
exercised  in  minutely  observing  the  various 
parts  of  this  market,  which  has  ever  been  the 
boast  of  its  inhabitants,  and  also  claiming  the 
admiration  and  praise  of  every  person  who  has 
witnessed  the  excellent  mode  with  which  it  is 
supplied  and  conducted.  The  Corporation,  in 
order  to  do  justice  to  the  buyer  and  seller,  em- 


150  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

ploy  men  in  the  weighing  houses  erected  close 
to  the  shambles. 

The  GUILDHALL,  which  is  close  to  the  Mar- 
ket-House, is  one  of  the  most  elegant  buildings 
in  Bath,  and  must  be  viewed  as  a  great  orna- 
ment to  this  part  of  the  City.  Its  noble  ap- 
pearance at  once  bespeaks  its  importance,  and 
reflects  great  credit  on  the  abilities  of  the  ar- 
chitect, Mr.  BALDWIN.  The  first  stone  of 
which  was  laid  in  1766;  but  the  undertaking 
was  discontinued  till  1775,  when  it  was  com- 
pleted. The  front  in  High- Street  is  of  the 
Composite  order,  and  pronounced  to  be  a  fine 
piece  of  architecture  ;  the  other  front  towards 
the  market  is  equally  handsome;  but  it  is  too 
much  enveloped  by  buildings  to  discover  its 
beauties.  The  edifice  is  terminated  on  each 
side  by  two  wings  which  extend  50  feet  in 
length.  The  Banqueting  or  Ball  Room,  which 
is  on  the  principal  story,  is  80  feet  long,  40  feet 
wide,  and  31  feet  high.  It  is  finished  with 
great  taste,  and  the  harmony  of  its  proportions 
are  the  admiration  of  every  spectator.  A  Draw- 
iiig-room  and  Council-room  are  also  attached  to 
it.  Over  one  of  the  chimney-pieces  in  the 
Banqueting-room  is  a  most  curious  and  beauti- 
ful bronze  head  of  Minerva,  originally  brass 
gilt,  dug  up  in  Stall-Street,  at  16  feet  from  the 
surface  of  the  earth,  in  17*27.  It  is  viewed  as  a 
most  interesting  piece  of  antiquity.  This  room 
is  also  enriched  with  whole  length  portraits  of 
the  King  and  her  late  Majesty,  the  Prince  and 
Princess  of  Orange,  and  the  first  Earls  of  Cha- 
tham and  Camden,  in  compliment  to  the  former 
as  one  of  the  Representatives  of  the  City,  and 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  151 

the  latter  as  the  Recorder.  It  has  likewise  a 
large  finely  executed  marble  bust  of  his  present 
Majesty,  by  Turnerdli,  done  when  the  King 
had  attained  his  fiftieth  year,  and  presented  to 
the  Coporation  by  a  gentleman:  and  out  of  re- 
spect shown  to  him  when  at  Bath,  his  late  Royal 
Highness  Frederick  Prince  of  Wales  also  pre- 
sented a  magnificent  silver-gilt  cup  and  salver  to 
the  Corporation,  which  passes  round  upon  all 
public  occasions,  upon  any  toast  being  given. 
The  basement  story  contains  a  capacious  kitchen, 
with  convenient  offices  ;  and  on  which  stands 
the  ground-floor,  consisting  of  a  vestibule,  a 
justiciary-room,  a  drawing-room  for  the  Mayor, 
the  town -clerk'*  otlice,  a  withdrawing-room  for 
the  Jury,  a  deputy  town's  clerk  office,  a  com- 
mon clerk's  ditto,  and  a  lobby  near  the  grand 
staircase  for  the  Mayor's  officers.  In  every 
point  of  view,  the  GUILDHALL  is  well  worthy 
the  inspection  of  the  visitor. 

CITY  BALLS. — In  consequence  of  the  prohi- 
bition which  the  trading  part  of  Bath  experience 
in  not  being  esteemed  eligible  to  visit  the  Dress 
Boxes  of  the  THEATRE,  or  the  UPPER  and 
LOWER  ASSEMBLY  ROOMS:  such  exclusion  is 
thus  ridiculed  in  a  recent  poetic  production  :  — 

Here,  salutary  rules  exclude  all  those 

Whom  no  one  hears  of,  and  whom  no  one  knows ; 

That  no  plebeian  breathings  may  infect 

An  atmosphere  at  all  tiroes  so  select ; 

No  bankers'  clerks  these  splendid  realms  invade; 

.Yo  FOLKS  who  carry  on  a  retail  trade  ; 

Jso  aclors  by  profession  must  appear 

To  act  their  parts,  or  speak  their  speeches  here  ; 
Yft  even  here,  amid  the  crowds  you  view, 
'Tis  sometimes  difficult  to  tell  WHO'S  WHO. 


152  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

The  MAYOR,  it  seems,  to  afford  the  wives 
and  daughters  of  the  Citizens  of  Bath  an  agree- 
able and  desirable  place  of  resort,  in  order  that 
they  may  participate  in  the  pleasing  recreation 
of  the  "  light  fantastic  toe,"  upon  an  equality 
of  station  in  life,  and  without  encountering  the 
sneers  of  the  lofty  part  of  the  creation,  has,  with 
much  gallantry,  permitted  the  free  use  of  the 
magnificent  room  at  the  Guildhall  for  a  Ball, 
and  the  room  adjoining  for  a  Card  Assembly 
throughout  the  season.  These  Balls  are  regu- 
lated by  a  Master  of  the  Ceremonies,  and  are 
held  every  alternate  Monday  throughout  the 
season.  The  M.  C.  is  remunerated  by  a  Benefit 
Ball. 

In  the  above  GUILDHALL  are  held   the   Ses- 
sions, which  occur  four  times  every  year;  and 
extend  to  the  cognizance  of  the  misdemeanours 
committed  within  the  precincts  of  the  Corpora- 
tion Liberties.     A  Court   of  Record    also   sits 
every  Monday,   which   determines    all   personal 
actions  within  the  same  jurisdiction,   provided 
the     debt    or   damages   amount   to   or    exceed 
forty  shillings.     A  Court  of  Requests  is   holden 
every  Wednesday  Morning,   for  the  recovery  of 
debts  under  forty  shillings ;  and   not  exceeding 
£10,  within  the  City,  and  the  hundred  of  Bath- 
forum,  Claverton,  and  VVellow.     The  Chairman 
must   be  a  barrister  of  six  years  standing,  and 
specially   appointed    by   the    Lord    Chancellor. 
Some  curious  appeals,  it  should  seem,  have  been 
made  to  this  court,  not  exactly  in  unison  with 
the  gravity  and  demeanour  of  its  proceedings, 
by  some  of  the  tender-hearted  sex,    who  have 
been  compelled  to  summons  before  this  tribunal 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  153 

certain  gallant  gay  Lotharios,  who  have  not  had 
honour  enough  to  pay  for  favours  conferred  upon 
them  ;  and  although  these  sort  of  circumstances 
could  not  be  subject  matter  of  serious  argument, 
or  come  exactly  under  the  cognizance  of  a  court 
founded  only  for  the  recovery  of  bonafide  debts, 
yet  some  of  these  frailties  of  nature,  it  is  said, 
have  found  relief  under  the  disguised  items  of  a. 
washing-bill. 

The  County  Magistrates  regularly  meet  every 
Friday  in  the  Guildhall,  to  transact  all  the  jus- 
ticiary business  connected  with  the  Bath  dis- 
trict. As  Bath  has  no  manufactory,  and  but 
little  trade,  the  generality  of  the  natives  are  well 
known  to  each  other,  which  tends  to  operate  as 
a  powerful  check  upon  all  attempts  at  open 
fraud,  violence,  or  breaches  of  the  peace.  Rows 
at  night  are  not  very  common ;  and  charges  of 
house-breaking  are  seldom  heard  of  within  the 
City  :  the  exertions  of  the  Magistrates,  aided  by 
their  well-regulated  police,  render  Bath  almost 
as  vigilantly  looked  after  as  a  military  garrison. 
The  City  of  Bath  most  certainly,  for  the  excel- 
lence of  its  watch,  and  being  well  lighted,  has  to 
boast  of  these  qualifications  in  a  very  high  point 
of  view. 

Nearly  opposite  to  the  Guildhall  is  Fremont's 
Coach-Office,  and  also  the  banking-house  of 
Messrs.  Clement,  Tugwell,  and  Mackenzie. 
This  street  also  contains  the  following  good  inns : 
the  White  Lion  Inn,  Greyhound,  and  Chris- 
topher ;  and  in  consequence  of  the  situation  of 
the  Market,  it  is  all  trade,  bustle,  and  activity. 
Northumberland-Place  is  contiguous,  and  not 
unlike  Cranbourne-Alley  in  London,  containing 


154  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

many  excellent  shops  for  the  ladies.  Adjoining 
High-Street  is  Northgate- Street,  at  the  corner 
of  which  is  the  Bank  of  Messrs.  Brown,  Cava- 
naugh,  Bailey,  and  Brown ;  to  the  left  leads  to 
the  Upper  Borough  Walls.  Here  are  also 
avenues  leading  to  New  Bond-Street,  Green- 
Street,  and  Broad-Street.  In  the  latter  is  si- 
tuated the  PUBLIC  GRAMMAR  SCHOOL  ;  it  is  an 
elegant  building,  and  was  originally  founded  and 
endowed  by  King  Edward  VI.  for  the  instruction 
of  the  sons  of  the  Freemen  of  Bath.  The  first 
stone  of  the  present  building  was  laid  by  the 
Mayor  and  Corporation,  and  the  existing  Com- 
panies, in  1752,  bearing  the  following  inscrip- 
tion : — 

"  Auspicate  surgat  hocce  Domicilium,  ad  humaniores 
Literas  bonasque  Artes  disseminendas  bene  ac  sapienter 
designatum.  Hoc  jecit  Fundamentum  FRAXCISCUS  HALES, 
hujus  Urbis  Praetor,  Mensis  Mali  diei  9°.  A.  D.  MDCCLII. 
AnnoqueregnantisGEORGII  SECUNDI  25°." 

It  has  also  several  apartments  for  the  accom- 
modation of  boarders.  The  Master  of  the 
School  is  a  very  handsome  appointment,  having 
£80  per  annum,  and  the  living  of  Charlcombe, 
near  Bath,  attached  to  it.  St.  Michael's  Church 
is  now  passed  by  the  visitor,  which  stands 
in  an  awkward  situation,  and  has  a  very  heavy 
and  gloomy  appearance.  In  the  erection  of 
this  church,  which  was  begun  in  1732,  and 
finished  1742,  it  seems  economy  was  preferred 
to  taste  and  beauty  of  design;  and  a  mere 
plodding  stone-mason,  of  the  name  of  Harvey, 
was  selected  as  the  builder,  instead  of  that  in- 
genious architect,  Mr.  Wood,  whose  plans  \\ere 
rejected.  It  is  63  feet  in  length,  and  37  in 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  156 

breadth  ;  and  the  roof  is  completely  out  of  all 
proportion.  St.  Michael's  Church,  viewed  as  a 
structure,  is  an  annoyance  to  the  admirers  of 
architecture  in  Bath.  Walcot-Street  adjoins  to 
it,  and  is  entirely  devoted  to  shops  and  trade ; 
and  contains  a  large  Pin- Manufactory,  which 
employs  nearly  100  poor  boys  and  girls. — 
Near  to  this  place  is  a  spacious  and  commodious 
Mart  for  cattle,  sheep,  and  pigs ;  and  also  an  ex- 
tensive building  used  as  a  CORN-MARKET. — 
Being  contiguous  to  the  river  it  is  extremely 
convenient  and  well  calculated  for  the  despatch 
of  trade.  Through  Cornwall  -  Street  to  Lady 
Mead: 

Ah,  turn  thine  eyes 

Where  the  poor  houseless  shiv'ring  female  lies  ; 
She  once,  perhaps,  in  village  plenty  blest 
Has  wept  at  tales  of  innocence  distrest ; 
Her  modest  looks  the  cottage  might  adorn, 
Sweet  as  the  primrose  peeps  beneath  the  thorn  ; 
Now  lost  to  all  ;  her  friends,  her  virtue  fled, 
Near  her  betrayer's  door  she  lays  her  head ; 
And  pinch'd  with  cold,  and  shrinking  from  the  show'r, 
With  heavy  heart  deplores  that  luckless  hour, 
When  idly  first,  ambitious  of  the  town, 
She  left  her  wheel  and  robes  of  country  brown. 

Here  is  situated  a  most  excellent  institution, 
and  highly  honourable  to  the  citizens  of  Bath, 
denominated  the  Bath  Penitentiary  and  Lock 
Hospital,  under  the  patronage  of  His  Serene 
Highness  Prince  Leopold  of  Cobourg.  The 
President  is  Lord  Gwydir ;  and  the  internal  di- 
rection and  management  is  superintended  by  a 
Committee  of  ladies.  The  above  laudable  cha- 
rity has  not  only  saved  several  unfortunate 
diseased  victims  from  a  wretched  death,  but 


156  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

ultimately  convinced  them  of  their  errors,  and 
restored  them  again  to  the  arms  of  society,  re- 
formed in  manners,  and  possessing  a  knowledge 
of  the  advantages  of  religion.  It  is  supported 
by  annual  subscriptions ;  and  it  was  established 
in  1805,  under  the  auspices  of  the  then  Mayor 
of  Bath,  Charles  Philpott,  Esq.  It  is  a  neat  in- 
teresting building,  and  enclosed  with  gates.  To 
the  left  of  Chatham-Row  is  Walcot  Burying 
Ground,  which  appears  to  have  been  the  burial 
place  of  the  Romans  1700  years  since.  Upon 
the  other  side  of  the  road,  upon  an  ascent,  stands 
Walcot  Church,  dedicated  to  St.  Swithin,  which 
is  a  handsome  stone  building,  and  enlarged  in 
1780 ;  which  additions  are  considered  to  have 
materially  injured  its  original  beauty  and  pro- 
portion of  design.  (This  parish  alone  is  con- 
sidered to  contain  20,000  souls  ;  and  its  returns 
to  Government  are  greater  than  any  parish  in 
England,  excepting  that  of  Mary-le-bone.)  The 
interior  of  the  above  church  is  extremely  in- 
teresting, it  might  be  said  grand  ;  the  sides 
of  which  are  filled  with  numerous  monuments ; 
and  among  a  number  of  excellent  ones,  the 
following  epitaph,  written  in  memory  of  James 
Hare,  Esq.  M.P.  for  Knaresborough,  the  friend 
and  companion  of  the  principal  great  wits  of 
the  age  in  which  he  lived,  by  the  late  Georgiana, 
the  eloquent,  beautiful,  and  accomplished 
Duchess  of  Devonshire: — 


"  Hark  !  'twas  the  knell  of  death  !  what  spirit  fled, 
And  burst  the  shackles  man  is  doom'd  to  bear  ? 

Can  it  be  true  ?  and,  'midst  the  senseless  dead, 

Must  sorrowing  thousands  count  the  loss  of  HARE  ? 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  157 

"  Shall  not  his  genius  life's  short  date  prolong  ? 

(Pure  as  the  ether  of  its  kindred  sky  ;) 
Shall  wit  enchant  no  longer  from  his  tongue, 

And  beam  in  vivid  flashes  from  his  eye  ? 

"  Oh,  no  :  that  mind,  for  every  purpose  fit, 

Has  met,  alas  !  the  universal  doom ; 
UnrivalPd  fancy,  judgment,  sense,  and  wit, 

Were  his,  and  only  left  him  at  the  tomb. 

"  Rest,  spirit,  rest !  for  gentle  was  thy  course ; 

Thy  rays,  like  beams  divine,  no  venom  knew, 
For  still  benevolence  allay'd  the  force 

Of  the  keen  darts  thy  matchless  satire  threw. 

"  Yet  not  alone  thy  genius  we  deplore, 
Nor  o'er  thy  various  talents  drop  the  tear  ; 

But  weep  to  think  we  shall  behold  no  more 
A  lost  companion,  and  a  friend  sincere." 

Pass  by  London-Terrace,  near  to  which  is 
Camden- Street,  Nelson  and  Margaret  Places, 
and  Walcot-Parade;  at  the  end  of  which  descend 
a  flight  of  steps,  cross  the  road,  return  oil  the 
right  a  short  distance,  and  a  passage  to  "  the 
FERRY"  offers  itself  on  the  left.  The  relief 
then  from  the  busy  hum  of  trade  is  enjoyed 
in  the  prospect  of  trees,  water,  &c.  On  crossing 
the  Avon,  the  view  is  quite  romantic  all  along 
the  sides  of  the  river,  and  the  trees  are  seen  drop- 
ping into  the  water.  The  ferry-boat,  called  "THE 
INDUSTRY,"  has  a  flat  broad  bottom,  commodious 
and  very  safe ;  and  for  which  accommodation 
one  penny  is  paid.  The  Avon  is  narrow,  and  a 
rope  is  fixed  to  the  trees  from  one  side  to  the 
other,  by  which  the  ferryman  pulls  himself  and 
his  company  over.  Upon  landing  and  turning  to 
the  right,  a  small  walk  presents  itself  with  se- 
veral pleasing  gardens,  and  the  eye  is  not  one 
instant  at  a  loss  for  subjects,  the  variety  being 


158  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

so  great.  The  town  of  Bath,  the  Abbey, 
churches,  lofty  edifices,  &c.  occupying  the 
mind  of  the  contemplative  pedestrian  till  he  ar- 
rives at  Henrietta-Street,  where  the  door  of 
some  friend  may,  perhaps,  invite  him  to  rest 
himself  from  this  pleasant  and  highly  diversified 
walk. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.        159 

WALK  V. 


From  Upper  Camden- Place  to  Lansdown-Road,  Mount- 
Pleasant,  pass  Spencer's  Bell  Vue  and  Lansdoztm- 
Grove.  Lansdown- Place,  Efist  and  West,  and  the 
CRESCENT.  (ALL  SAINTS'  CHAPEL.)  From  Somer- 
set-Place, pass  by  Somerset- House  to  Cavendish 
Crescent  and  Place.  Park- Place,  Upper  Park- 
Street  and  St.  James's  Square.  Marlborough- 
Street  and  Marlborough-Buildings  to  the  ROYAL 
CRESCENT.  Return  by  Crescent- Fields  through 
Brock-Street,  the  CIRCUS,  Bennet-Street,  pass 
Belmont-Row,  the  Belvidere,  to  Upper  Camden- 
Pfacc. 


UPPER  CAMDEN-PLACE  commands  for  miles  a 
most  interesting,  extensive,  and  picturesque 
prospect.  This  tine  high  terrace,  which  is  a 
delightful  place  of  residence,  possesses  a  broad 
pavement,  a  carriage-road  in  front  of  it,  and  en- 
closed with  iron-rails  to  render  it  perfectly  safe. 
To  the  left  of  which  is  seen  the  handsome  build- 
ings on  the  London-Road,  that  give  such  an 
elegant  appearance  to  the  entrance  of  Bath. 
The  high  hills  in  front  of  Camden-Place ;  Pryor- 
Park  at  a  distance  on  the  right ;  a  pleasing  view 
of  Sydney-Gardens  and  the  New  Church  at 
Bathwick;  the  houses  beneath,  with  Walcot 
Church  and  Chapel;  added  to  other  numerous 
objects  which  crowd  upon  the  eye,  form  a  pano- 
ramic view  so  rich  and  extensive,  as  only  to  be 


J60  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

seen  to  gain  admiration  from  the  beholder.  The 
winding  of  the  Avon,  and  the  venerable  Abbey  in 
perspective, tend  to  increase  the  beautyof  the  scene. 
The  sloping  of  the  houses  also  add  to  the  effect. 
Turning  to  the  right  is  the  Lansdown-Road, 
opposite  to  which  is  the  Belvidere-Hotel,  leaving 
Mount-Pleasant  on  the  left.  Pass  Spencer's 
Bell  Vue,  and  on  the  right  is  Lansdown-Grove ; 
contiguous  to  which  is  Lansdown- Place,  East 
and  West,  and  the  Crescent,  which  is  considered 
the  highest  situation  in  Bath.  It  has  a  fine 
pavement,  carriage-road,  iron-rails,  lamps,  &c. 
and  a  green  plot  for  walking  upon  in  the  front  of  it. 
The  Crescent  is  a  noble  pile  of  building;  and  its 
extraordinary  elevation  is  the  admiration  of  every 
spectator,  and  which  completely  overlooks  the 
City.  By  comparison,  it  is  like  looking  down 
from  the  top  of  St.  Paul's  Cathedral  into  the 
streets  of  London.  All  Saints'  Chapel  is  seen 
rising  in  the  declivity,  or  grove,  beneath  the 
Crescent,  and  which  is  no  trifling  addition  to  this 
handsome  range  of  houses.  This  chapel  is  a  most 
elegant  structure,  and  was  built  by  a  subscription 
of  gentlemen,  in  the  Gothic  style,  from  a  plan  of 
Mr.  Palmer,  the  architect,  and  was  opened  in 
1794.  The  interior  of  which  is  very  pleasing 
and  attractive.  In  length  it  is  64  feet,  and  in 
breadth  46;  exclusive  of  four  recesses,  with  a 
fire-place  in  each.  It  has  a  light  oval  gallery, 
which  is  supported  by  eight  slender  pillars,  that 
also  ascend  to  the  roof.  The  central  part  of  the 
ceiling,  which  is  likewise  oval,  rises  six  feet 
higher  than  that  over  the  gallery,  and  is  deco- 
rated with  rich  stucco  ornaments.  Above  the 
gallery  are  twelve  large  windows,  upon  which 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  161 

are  the  heads  of  the  Apostles  painted,  and  en- 
riched with  variegated  glass.  A  transparent 
painting  of  the  Lord's  Supper  also  decorates 
the  window  over  the  altar.  Mr.  Baker  was  the 
designer  of  all  these  ornaments.  Contiguous 
to  the  Crescent  is  Somerset-Place,  also  a  very 
elegant  circular  range  of  buildings,  with  a  grass 
plot,  &c.  in  the  front  of  it.  Descending  from 
this  lofty  situation  by  Somerset -House  the  new 
row  of  very  fine  residences,  called  Cavendish- 
Crescent  appears,  which  has  also  its  small  grass 
promenade  attached  to  it.  Pass  by  St.  Winifred's 
Cottage  to  Cavendish-Place,  which  has  to  boast 
of  virandas  and  balconies  to  most  of  the  houses. 
Turning  on  the  left  is  Park-Place,  and  on  the 
right  Upper  Park-Street,  which  leads  into  Sf. 
James's  Square.  At  every  step  the  visitor  takes, 
nothing  but  elegance  meets  his  eye ;  and  pro- 
ceeding in  a  straight  line  the  Square  is  left,  Marl- 
borough-Street  is  passed,  and  at  the  bottom  of 
Marlborough- Buildings,  (a  long  range  of  re- 
spectable habitations,)  the  very  acme  and  gran- 
deur of  all  Bath  is  now  obtained,  namely,  the 
ROYAL  CRESCENT. 

How  many  varied  joys  delight 

Thy  subjects,  morning,  noon,  and  night, 

And  make  their  moments  pleasant : 
With  boots  and  military  heels, 
Some  love  to  guide  their  tandem-wheels, 

And  dash  along  the  CRESCENT. 

The  above  CRESCENT,  consisting  of  thirty 
houses,  is  of  an  elliptical  form,  with  a  single 
order  of  Ionic  pillars,  supporting  the  superior 
cornice.  The  fronts  of  the  houses,  which  ter- 
minate each  end  of  the  CRESCENT,  have  an 

M 


162  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

imposing  effect.     Independent  of  a  wide  pave- 
ment, a  broad  carriage-road,  and  a  fine  lawn  in 
front,    enclosed  with  iron   rails,  it  has   also   a 
capacious  gravel-walk  for  foot  passengers.     The 
Crescent-Fields,    declining  towards   the   Avon, 
with  the  addition  of  some  charming  subscription 
grounds,  tastefully  laid  out,  and  in  high  cultiva- 
tion, with    its  delightful   surrounding    scenery, 
view  of  the  City,  and  commanding  prospect  of 
the  opposite  hills,  render  the  tout  ensemble  emi- 
nently fascinating.     The  above   superb   assem- 
blage of  private  residences  may  be  pronounced 
without  an  equal  in  the  kingdom  ;  but  notwith- 
standing  the   spectator   is   almost  momentarily 
lost  in  admiration  with  the  beauty  of  their  form, 
it  appears,  they  have  not  escaped  the  rigid  test 
of  architectural   criticism,   and    some    degrees 
of  fault  have  been  found  with  the  upper  parts 
of  the  buildings.    The  ROYAL  CRESCENT  was 
built  after  the  design   of  Mr.  WOOD,  jun.  to 
whom  Bath  is  much  indebted  for  his  indefatiga- 
ble exertions  and  classic  taste.     No  lodgings,  it 
appears,  are  to  be  obtained  in  the  CRESCENT; 
and  it  is  often  difficult  to  procure  houses.     At 
all  times  it  is  an  attractive  promenade  for  the 
visitors  of  Bath;  but  in  the  season,  of  a  Sunday, 
it  is  also  crowded  with   fashionables  of  every 
rank;    and  with  the  addition  of  the  splendid 
barouche,    dashing    curricle,    elegant    tandem, 
gentlemen  on  horseback,  &c.  the  ROYAL  CRE- 
SCENT strongly  reminds  the  spectator  of  Hyde- 
Park,    Rotten-Row,    and    Kensington-Gardens, 
when  adorned  with  all  their  brilliancy  of  com- 
pany. The  smart  trading  inhabitants  of  the  City, 
and  numerously  neatly-apparelled  pretty  females, 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  163 

(notwithstanding  they  have  not  had  the  good 
luck  to  have  been  born  gentlewomen,  here  enjoy 
their  leisure  hour,  participating  in  the  pleasures 
which  this  delightful  promenade  affords  them, 
and  from  which  walk,  unfashionable  RULES  can 
exclude  their  presence,)  add  not  a  little  to  the 
interest  of  the  lively  scene: — 

What  is  BON  TON  ? 

Old  dowagers  dress'd,  painted,  patch'd,  and  curl'd— 
This  is  BON  TON,  and  this  we  call  the  World! 
"  True,"  says  my  lord,  "  and  thou,  my  only  son, 
Whate'er  your  faults,  ne'er  sin  against  BON  TON  !" 
Each  have  their  purlieus  too,  are  modish  each, 
In  stated  districts,  wigs  as  well  as  speech  : — 
«'  Ah  !   I  loves  life,  and  all  the  joys  it  yields," 
Says  Madam  Fussock,  warm  from  Spitalfields. 
"  BON  TON'S  the  space  'twixt  Saturday  and  Monday, 
"  And  riding  in  a  one-horse  chair  o'  Sunday  !" 
Such  is  BON  TON  !   and  walk  this  city  through, 
In  building,  scribbling,  fighting,  and  virtd, 
And  various  other  shapes,  'twill  rise  to  view. 

On  quitting  the  ROYAL  CRESCENT,  the  visitor 
will  soon  pass  through  Brock-Street  to  the 
CIRCUS.  Bennet-Street  leads  to  Belmont-Row ; 
and,  upon  passing  the  Behidere,  Upper  Camden- 
Place  is,  at  length,  obtained :  where,  perhaps, 
some  little  refreshment  and  rest  will  not  only 
prove  extremely  acceptable  to  the  traveller,  but 
enable  him  to  recapitulate  the  various  objects 
he  has  been  delighted  with  throughout  the  whole 

Of  this  ELEVATED  WALK. 


M  2 


164  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 


WALK  VI. 


THEPROMENADE  TO  WESTON;THE  HYDE-PARK, OR 
KENSINGTON-GARDENS,  OF  BATH. 

From  the  LIBRARIES,  in  Milsom-Street,  pass  by  Edgar- 
Buildings,  through  George-Street,  into  Guy-Street, 
and  the  CIRCUS.  From  Brock-Street,  pass  by  the 
ROYAL  CRESCENT,  Marlborough  -  Buildings,  to 
Weston-Gate.  Pass  Sion-Hill,  (HousE  OF  PRO- 
TECTION,) on  the  Road,  and  Moravian  Burying- 
Ground.  The  Village  of  Wcston,  (NATIONAL 
SCHOOL,  the  CHURCH,  and  BURYING-GROUND). 
The  WATERFALL.  Return  through  Bartons 
Fields  to  Nile-Street  and  Norfolk- Crescent. 

Whether  thou  art  wont  to  rove 

By  PARADE,  or  ORANGE  GROVE, 

Or  to  breathe  a  purer  air 

In  the  Cincus  or  the  SQUARE  : 

Wheresoever  be  thy  path, 

Tell,  O  tell,  the  joys  of  BATH. 


WHEN  the  weather  invites,  a  walk  to  the  neat 
and  pretty  village  of  Weston  cannot  fail  in  af- 
fording gratification  and  delight  to  every  visitor 
of  Bath ;  and,  in  the  spring  part  of  the  season,  it 
may  be  viewed  as  a  grand  promenade,  and  is  well 
frequented  by  most  of  the  fashionable  company 
in  the  City.  It  is  not  only  attractive  from  the 
shortness  of  its  distance,  which  does  not  ex- 
ceed a  mile  and  a  half,  but  it  should  also  seem, 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.        16o 

that  the  road  to  this  interesting  village  being  on 
level  ground,  accounts  for  its  proving  such  an 
agreeable  and  pleasant  walk  to  the  quality,  as 
scarcely  any  other  situation  in  or  about  Bath, 
but  the  visitor  has  to  experience  the  labour  and 
fatigue  of  an  ascent.  After  participating  in  the 
fashionable  bustle  in  Milsom-Street,  the  perusal 
of  the  newspapers,  conversation,  &c.  at  the  Li- 
braries, time  enough  is  left,  previous  to  dinner, 
to  enjoy  this  little  elegant  tour.  On  quitting 
Milsom-Street,  pass  Edgar-  Buildings,  and 
turning  to  the  left,  George-Street  leads  to  Gay- 
Street,  and  the  CIRCUS  soon  appears.  It  is 
true,  that  some  fastidious  judges  of  architecture 
have  found  fault  with  the  dull  uniformity  (as 
they  term  it)  of  this  place  ;  but  to  those  persons 
who  are  not  blessed  with  scientific  vision,  or 
having  to  boast  of  a  microscopic  eye  to  search 
for  nothing  else  but  blemishes  and  defects,  which 
might  almost  be  said  to  be  completely  out  of 
sight,  the  CIRCUS  will  be  found  well  worthy 
the  observation  of  every  man  of  taste,  and  ad- 
mirer of  elegant  mansions.  Indeed,  let  the 
visitor  go  through  the  CIRCUS  as  often  as  he 
will,  it  is  almost  impossible  to  pass  such  a  fine 
range  of  buildings  with  indifference;  nay  more, 
without  being  impressed  with  their  beauty  and 
grandeur.  Brock-Street  is  soon  hurried  through, 
till  the  ROYAL  CRESCENT  again  demands  the 
attention  and  admiration  of  the  spectator.  Of 
this,  too,  it  might  be  observed,  that  even  in  Italy 
its  excellence  could  not  be  forgotten.  On  the 
right,  Marlborough- Buildings  leads  up  to  Wes- 
ton-Gate,  when  the  visitor  turns  on  his  left  into 
the  road.  The  prospect  is  now  enchanting  on 


166        WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

all  sides,  to  the  right  of  which  are  numerous  ele- 
vations, the  high  Common,  Sion-House,  Winifred- 
House,  &c.  the  ascent  to  which  is  gained  by  a 
pleasing  field.  At  the  bottom  of  Sion-Hill  is 
the  HOUSE  OF  PROTECTION,  established  in  1805, 
for  the  benefit  of  young  females  when  dismissed 
from  school  or  destitute  of  friends;  the  number 
being  limited  to  twelve,  and  none  admitted  un- 
der thirteen.  Lady  Isabella  King  is  the  Patro- 
ness, assisted  by  eight  Lady  Governesses  ;  three 
gentlemen  also  as  Guardians ;  and  a  Treasurer. 
The  governesses  take  it  in  turn  to  visit  the  house 
daily,  from  12  till  2,  to  hear  the  girls  read,  &c. 
they  are  likewise  taught  sewing,  washing,  and 
every  thing  necessary  to  qualify  them  as  good 
servants.  One  of  the  governesses  also  attends 
on  a  Sunday  to  teach  them  their  religious  duties. 
No  girl  can  be  admitted  without  bringing  with 
her  a  proper  change  of  clothes ;  also  a  good 
character,  and  the  certainty  of  her  distressed 
situation.  It  is  supported  by  subscriptions ; 
and  its  benefits  are  confined  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Bath.  On  continuing  along  the  road  the 
prospect  on  the  left  of  which  is  extensive  and 
pleasing;  and  the  Burying-Ground,  with  a  small 
house  attached  to  it,  belonging  to  the  sect  of 
Moravians  is  here  situated.  On  passing  through 
two  fields  on  the  right  of  the  road,  the  visitor 
arrives  at  the  Village  of  Weston.  The  houses 
are  all  built  of  freestone  ;  and  this  little  retreat, 
which  is  occupied  by  numerous  laundresses,  has 
altogether  a  superior  appearance.  The  "  Vil- 
lage," in  unison  with  "  the  National  School" 
is  a  plain  neat  building ;  the  boys  are  educated 
011  the  one  side,  and  the  girls  on  the  other. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  167 

At  the  extremity  of  the  Village  is  a  WATERFALL, 
well  worthy  the  observation  of  the  spectator. 
The  Church  is  a  small  erection ;  but  the  nu- 
merous monuments  in  its  Burying-Ground  are 
highly  attractive  and  interesting,  the  principal 
part  of  which  are  enclosed  in  iron  rails ;  most 
of  the  inscriptions  are  cut  upon  a  black  ground, 
with  the  letters  jjilt,  and  the  ornaments  are  of 
gold.  At  the  upper  end  of  the  Ground  is  a 
new  monument,  made  of  freestone,  by  Harris, 
sen.  of  Bath,  the  execution  of  which  displays 
much  talent  as  a  piece  of  sculpture.  The  de- 
sign consists  of  four  slight  Ionic  pillars,  which 
support  the  top  of  the  monument;  under  which 
is  a  marble  urn,  with  some  elegant  folds  of  dra- 
pery attached  to  it.  The  whole  is  encircled 
with  iron  rails,  and  a  chevaux-de-frieze  of  iron 
is  also  at  the  top.  The  urn  bears  the  following 
inscription : — 

Beneath  this  tomb 
are  deposited  the  remains  of  the  late 

Right  Honourable 

Charlotte  Viscountess  Newcomen, 

of  Carricikglass,  in  the  County  of  Longford, 

In  the  Kingdom  of  Ireland, 
Who  died  May  16,  1817,  aged  69. 

Upon  the  side  of  it  are  the  following  lines: — 

This  monument  was  erected  bv  her  ladyship's  only  son,  the 
Right  Hon.  Lord  Viscount  Newcomen,  as  a  tribute  of 
duty  and  affection. 

In  the  front  of  the  above  tomb,  the  coat  of  arms 
and  the  supporters  are  well  executed. 

At  no  great  distance  there  is  also  another 
peculiarly  neat  monument  of  freestone,  by 
W.  Lancashire,  of  Bath,  dedicated  to  Marianna 


168  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

Juliane  Watson,  grand-daughter  of  the  late 
Bishop  of  Landaff,  aged  6  years  and  9  months. 

Of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God. 

Both  these  monuments  reflect  great  credit  on 
the  above  natives  of  Bath,  for  neatness  of  design 
and  elegance  of  execution. 

In  this  Churchyard,  the  remains  of  poor 
Lovegrove,  the  comedian,  are  also  deposited. 
He  was  highly  respected  both  on  the  Bath  and 
London  boards ;  not  only  admired  as  a  perfor- 
mer of  considerable  talents,  but,  what  is  far  more 
lasting,  valued  as  an  honest  worthy  member  of 
society.  His  personification  of  Lord  Ogelby 
was  a  masterpiece  of  the  art.  But  alas  ! 

Where  are  the  jesters  now  ?  the  men  of  health 
Complexionately  pleasant  ?    Where  the  droll, 
Whose  every  look  and  gesture  was  a  joke 
To  clapping  theatres  and  shouting  crowds, 
And  make  ev'n  thick-lip'd  musing  MELANCHOLY 
To  gather  up  her  face  into  a  smile 
Before  she  was  aware  ?     Ah,  sullen  now, 
And  dumb  as  the  green  turf  that  covers  them  ! 

On  quitting  this  "  complexion?  (to  which, 
sooner  or  later,  we  must  all  arrive  at.)  once 
more  to  gain  the  public  road  to  get  back  to 
Bath,  the  following  emphatic  words  are  painted 
upon  a  board,  by  order  of  the  Overseers  of 
the  parish:  "  TAKE  NOTICE,  the  idle  and  dis- 
orderly of  every  sort  and  kind,  found  wandering 
in  and  about  Weston,  will  be  dealt  with  ac- 
cording to  law."  The  above  is  rather  a  sort  of 
sweeping  clause;  and  although  it  includes  IDLERS 
of  every  sort  and  kind,  yet  it  can  hardly  be 
presumed,  that  the  Overseers  had  temerity 
enough  to  include  in  their  meaning  the  numerous 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.       169 

gentlemen  idlers  with  which  Bath  always 
abounds.  On  the  right  is  a  very  handsome  re- 
sidence, with  park-gates,  lawn,  &c.  belonging  to 
Miss  Whitehead.  On  passing  this  estate  a  short 
distance,  an  opening  leads  to  the  Upper  Bristol- 
Road.  Although  the  visitor,  in  returning  to 
Bath,  may  be  considered  as  retracing  his  steps, 
yet  the  prospect  assumes  a  different  aspect ; 
but  if  he  wishes  not  to  return  exactly  to  the 
place  from  whence  he  set  out,  he  can  diversify 
the  scene  by  turning  off  into  Barton's  Fields 
on  the  right,  get  into  the  road,  go  down  Nile- 
Street,  and  pay  a  morning  visit  to  some  friend, 
in  that  elegant  situation  called  Norfolk-Crescent, 
or,  if  an  invitation  offers,  stop  and  partake  of  a 
dinner. 


170  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 


WALK  VII. 


AN  AQUATIC  STROLL. 

From  the  OLD  BRIDGE,  Broad-Quay,  contiguous  to 
Clarke's  Lane,  Duck-Street,  Wine-Street,  and  the 
Lower  Borough  Walls,  (BATH  CITY  INFIRMARY; 
CATHARINE'S  and  BELLOT'S  HOSPITAL);  pass  by 
Little  Corn,  Avon,  and  Milk  Streets.  New-Quay, 
Kingsmead-Terrace,  Green-Park-Buildings,  West, 
Green-Park-Place,  East,  near  to  which  are  Sey- 
mour, Charles,  and  James  Streets.  Proceed  to 
Norfolk-Crescent,  the  GASOMETER,  and  Brooke's 
Lock.  —  RETURN  by  the  Upper  Bristol- Road, 
Mancroft-Place,  Nelson-Street,  into  Nile-Street, 
and  pass  the  entrance  to  Norfolk- Crescent,  into 
Stanhope  and  New  King-Streets,  (METHODIST 
CHAPEL,)  and  Kingsmead  -  Street,  (CASUALTY 
HOSPITAL,)  Monmouth-Street,  (UNITED  BRE- 
THREN'S CHAPEL;  BATH  ASSOCIATION  FOR 
AIDING  THE  MISSIONS  OF  THE  UNITED  BRE- 
THREN, AND  THE  UNION  BLUE  SCHOOL.)  Stable- 
Lane  to  the  Queen's  Parade. 


INDEPENDENT  of  its  connecting  Holloway 
with  Bath,  and  leading  to  the  Upper  Bristol- 
Road,  the  OLD  BRIDGE,  viewed  as  a  structure, 
creates  but  little  attraction  to  the  eye  of  the 
visitor.  On  the  right  of  which,  from  Horse- 
Street,  is  Broad-Quay ;  but,  notwithstanding 
the  important  name  of  Quay  is  attached  to  it, 
no  bustle  is  experienced  at  this  place,  and  it 
might  be  termed  a  river  without  any  business ;  as 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  171 

merely  a  few  stones  lying  on  the  ground  from 
the  different  quarries,  with  not  above  a  strag- 
gling solitary  barge  or  two,  are  to  be  seen, 
seems  the  principal  feature  of  traffic,  which 
occupies  the  inhabitants  of  a  few  little  houses 
situated  alongside  of  the  water.  Still,  however, 
this  aquatic  stroll  is  pleasing,  and  not  without 
its  advantages  by  comparison.  On  the  opposite 
side  of  the  river  are  a  few  dull,  worn-out  build- 
ings, or  warehouses.  Contiguous  to  the  Broad- 
Quay  are  the  following  places,  Clarices  Lane, 
Back-Street,  Gerrard- Street,  Wine-Street,  and 
the  Lower  Borough  Walls.  In  the  latter  situation 
stands  the  Bath  City  Infirmary  and  Dispensary 
for  the  Sick  Poor.  It  is  a  most  excellent  institu- 
tion, and  the  only  general  place  for  the  sick 
poor  of  the  City  of  Bath ;  and  which  is  sup- 
ported by  annual  subscriptions ;  but  persons 
receiving  parish  pay  are  inadmissible.  Vaccina- 
tion is  also  performed  here  gratis.  The  house 
is  large,  it  appears,  but,  owing  to  the  contracted 
state  of  the  funds,  numbers  cannot  be  relieved. 
Near  to  which  is  St.  Catharine's  Hospital,  the 
Bimberries,  or  Black  Alms,  a  very  mean  struc- 
ture of  fourteen  habitations,  for  paupers  of  both 
sexes.  The  inhabitants  of  which  receive  3s.  6d. 
per  week,  and  a  black  coat  every  two  years.  Here 
is  also  Bellot's  Hospital,  in  Belltree-Lane,  only 
open  in  the  warmer  months,  from  Ladyday  to 
Michaelmas,  where  twelve  men  and  women, 
strangers  to  Bath,  are  lodged,  and  have  a  pri- 
vilege of  using  the  baths.  It  was  founded  in 
the  reign  of  James  I.  by  Tho.  Bellot,  Esq. 

Little  Corn-Street  is  passed  without  claiming 
any  sort  of  observation ;  but  Avon-Street,  the 


172        .WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

receptacle  for   unfortunate  women,  calls  forth 
very  different  sensations :  and  although  it  may  be 
termed  the  Wapping  of  Bath,  it  is  but  common 
justice  to  observe,  that  it  is  far  removed  from 
the  disgusting  scenes  which  are  so  publicly  wit- 
nessed at  this  memorable  place  at  the  east  end 
of  the  Metropolis.     With   all   the   vigilance  of 
the  police  of  this  elegant  City,   and  its  active 
Corporation  towards  removing  public  nuisances, 
BATH,  in  the  height  of  its  season,  has  its  share 
of  the  frail  sisterhood ;  but  their  language,  man- 
ners, and  demeanour,  are  not  of  that  very  ob- 
trusive nature  which  characterize  these  unhappy 
females  in  London,  Liverpool,  andDublin.  Houses 
of  ill-fame  (or  if  a  more  genteel  phrase  is  accept- 
able, in  the  terms  BAGNIOS,  for  such  houses) 
are  to  be  discovered  in  BATH.   Upon  the  search- 
nights,  which  generally  commence  with   much 
activity  upon  the  accession  of  a  new  Mayor  into 
office,  some  females   of  rather  a   higher  cast, 
with  their  amorous  gallants,  have  been   obliged 
to  acknowledge  or  show  a  sort  of  passport,  to 
account   for   their   awkward  situations,    before 
they  could  obtain  a  discharge  the  next  morning. 

Unknown  by  thee,  how  often  did  I  meet 
The  loveliest  forms  of  nature  in  the  street, 

The  fair,  the  black,  the  lasting  brown ! 
And,  whilst  their  charms  enraptur'd  I  survey'd, 
This  pretty  legend  on  their  lips  I  read — 

«'  Kisses,  O  gentle  shepherd,  for  a  crown." 

Blest  is  the  man  who  marks  the  cherry  lip, 
And  sigheth  not  its  nectar'd  sweets  to  sip, 

Nor  press  the  heaving  hills  of  purest  snow ; 
Who  marks  the  love-alluring  waist  so  taper, 
Without  one  wish,  or  pulse's  single  caper, 

And  to  his  hurrying  passions  cries  out,  "  NO !" 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  1 73 

Stop,  it'  you  please,  young  imps,  your  hot  career, 
And  shun  the  precipice  of  Fate  so  near ; 
Draw  in,  or,  with  the  horses  of  the  sun, 
You  drive  like  Phaeton,  to  be  undone. 

On  quitting  Avon-Street,  pass  by  Milk-Street, 
and  the  visitor  arrives  at  the  New  Quay;  this 
latter  designation,  which  generally  indicates 
trade,  is  equally  unimportant  in  point  of  bustle 
with  the  former  Quay,  and  is  merely  a  name ; 
but  where  the  prospect  becomes  more  interest- 
ing and  picturesque.  The  situation  of  the  river 
is  here  rural  and  romantic,  and  the  spectator 
has  no  reason  to  regret  the  walk  he  has  under- 
taken. Kingsmead-Terrace,  a  pretty,  really  an 
elegant  residence,  with  handsome  gardens  before 
it,  claims  an  attractive  attention  from  the  pas- 
senger. Proceeding  forwards,  is  Green-Park- 
Buildings,  West,  which  is  an  elevated  situation, 
railed  in,  and  also  a  delightful  residence,  con- 
sisting of  two  sides,  that  of  Green-Park- Place, 
East,  being  joined  to  it,  and  brought  to  an 
angle,  with  a  field  between  them ;  the  point 
of  the  angle  leading  to  Seymour,  Charles,  and 
James  Streets.  The  effect  is  pleasing  ;  and  the 
look-out  from  the  above  buildings  across  the  ri- 
ver, added  to  the  distant  hills  intersected  with 
trees,  &c.  is  very  fine.  On  proceeding  farther, 
at  a  short  distance  Norfolk-Crescent  developes 
itself,  containing  twenty-nine  houses,  not  only  of 
a  lofty  character,  but  modelled  after  the  most 
elegant  style  of  architecture.  It  has  a  fine  broad 
pavement,  well  lighted,  and  a  long  and  enclosed 
piece  of  garden  before  the  Crescent,  which  is 
laid  out  in  a  very  picturesque  style.  The  veran- 


174  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

das  and  balconies  attached  to  the  houses  tend 
to  increase  their  elegant  appearance.  Various 
new  erections  are  also  taking  place  in  this  part, 
which  strongly  evince  the  disposition  of  the  na- 
tives of  Bath  to  extend  their  City  ;  and  likewise 
a  great  proof  of  their  increase  in  population. 
Few  boats  are  seen  gliding  along  the  "  Avon  ;" 
not  that  Avon  which  has  been  so  beautifully 
and  poetically  described  by  the  inimitable  GAR- 
RICK,  in  honour  of  our  immortal  bard  :  — 

Thou  soft-flowing  Avon,  by  thy  silver  stream, 

Of  things  more  than  mortal   sweet    SHAKSPEARE    would 

dream  ; 

The  fairies  by  moonlight  dance  round  his  green  bed, 
For  hallow'd  the  turf  is  which  pillow'd  his  head. 

The  love-stricken  maiden,  the  soft  sighing  swain, 
Here  rove  without  danger,  and  sigh  without  pain. 

It  is  however  not  altogether  improbable,  that 
the  romantic  and  interesting  situation  of  the 
Somerset  Avon  may  yet  inspire  some  poet  to 
breathe  out  his  effusions  in  its  praise ;  *  but 
that  it  has  often  been  the  sacred  spot  where  the 
"  love-stricken  maiden  "  and  "  the  soft-sighing 
swain"  have  sworn  eternal  constancy,  admits 
not  of  the  least  shadow  of  doubt.  The  nume- 
rous tender  assignations  in  BATH  admit  the  fact : 

O  ye  guardian  spirits  fair, 
All  who  make  true  love  your  care, 
May  I  oft  my  Romeo  meet, 
Oft  enjoy  his  converse  sweet ; 
I  alone  his  thoughts  employ, 
Through  each  various  scene  of  joy. 

*  It  should  however  be  recollected,  it  has  not  entirely 
escaped  the  Muse  of  ANSTEV. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  177 

the  discipline  and  rules  of  this  sect.  Preaching 
twice  every  Sunday,  and  on  Monday  and  Friday 
evenings.  It  is  highly  worthy  of  remark  that 
The  Strangers'  Friend  Society  was  established  at 
Bath,  in  1790,  by  I  he  above  description  of  per- 
sons, and  formed  upon  the  broadest  principles 
of  liberality.  It  is  totally  unbiassed  by  party- 
distinctions,  and  the  only  thing  necessary  to  be 
known  is— a  sufficient  proof  of  distress;  when 
this  circumstance  is  ascertained  to  be  the  fqct, 
the  person  is  relieved,  without  regard  to  the 
causes  of  that  distress,  and  which  is  also  accom- 
panied by  administering  such  religious  advice 
and  consolation  as  may  be  deemed  necessary. 
It  is  supported  by  voluntary  contributions,  and 
well  worthy  the  imitation  of  every  religious  sect 
in  the  kingdom.  Proceeding  onwards  is  Kings- 
mead-Street,  where  that  most  excellent  charita- 
ble institution  is  situated — the  CASUALTY  HOS- 
PITAL. It  was  established,  about  thirty  years 
since,  by  Mr.  Norman,  surgeon,  and  supported 
by  donations  and  annual  subscriptions.  When- 
ever an  accident  takes  place,  the  unfortunate 
object  is  instantly  admitted  into  the  house, 
where  he  is  provided  with  an  apartment,  a  bed, 
good  provisions,  a  careful  nurse,  and  the  best 
medical  and  surgical  assistance.  Some  very  fine 
cures  have  been  made  in  the  CASUALTY  HOS- 
PITAL, lu  the  same  street  the  Bath  Journal  is 
also  published.  In  Monmouth-Street,  which  is 
contiguous  to  Kingsmead- Street,  is  situated  the 
Moravian,  or  the  United  Brethrens'  Chapel ;  it  is  a 
small  neat  building,  and  has  a  good  organ.  Service 
is  performed  twice  every  Sunday,  and  on  Wednes- 
day evenings.  The  Bath  Association  for  aiding 


178  WALKS  THROUQH  BATH. 

the  Missions  of  the  United  Brethren  in  spread- 
ing the  blessings  of  Christianity  among  the  Hot- 
tentots, and  in  North  and  South  America,  &c. 
is  likewise  held  here.  The  treasurer  of  this 
Institution  is  the  Minister  of  the  above  sect. 
The  Union  Blue-Coat  School,  which  professes 
to  be  open  to  all  parties  and  professions,  is  also 
in  Monmouth-Street.  The  children  are  clothed 
annually  ;  taught  the  principles  of  religion  and 
morality ;  and,  also,  the  means  of  acquiring  a 
decent  living.  Stable-Lane,  from  the  above 
street,  leads  into  Queen's  Parade,  when  the 
visitor,  in  all  probability,  may  feel  himself 
rather  fatigued  -with  the  variety  of  interesting 
objects  which  have  claimed  his  attention  through- 
out this  aquatic  walk,  and  feel  no  objection  to 
participate  in  some  refreshment  and  rest. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  179 


WALK  VITI. 


From  High-Street,  through  Bridge-Street,  across  Pulte- 
ney-Bridge,  through  Argyle  Buildings,  (INDEPEND- 
ENT MEETING-HOUSE,)  and  Laura-Place.  Pass 
Grove,  Johnston,  and  Henrietta  Streets.  Through 
Great  Pultency-Street,  passing  William  and  Sun- 
derland  Streets  to  SYDNEY  HOTEL  and  Gardens. 
At  the  top  of  Sydney-Place,  on  the  right,  stands 
the  QUEEN'S  HOUSE. 


The  Triumph  of  Winter  is  o'er, 
And  Spring  re-ill uraines  the  plain ; 

The  breezes  are  balmy  once  more  ; 
Adieu  to  the  wind  and  the  rain. 

The  PUMP-ROOM  attraction  now  ceases, 
For  Fashion  no  more  lingers  there ; 

The  Fair-ones  throw  off  their  pelisses, 
And  cooler  apparel  prepare. 

la  Sydney  Vauxhall,  with  your  Venus, 
The  bustle  of  Bond-Street  we'll  shun, 

Whilst  pendant  labarnums  shall  skreen  us 
Awhile  from  the  heat  of  the  sun. 

FROM  the  bustle  of  High-Street,  occasioned  by 
the  business  done  at  the  TowN-IiALL,  the  buz 
of  the  numerous  persons  in  going  to  and  from 
the  Market-House  to  procure  the  necessary  ar- 
ticles of  life,  which  this  latter  place  so  finely 
and  abundantly  affords,  added  to  the  noise  from 
the  continual  arrival  and  departure  of  the  vari- 

N2 


180  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

ous  stage  coaches,  an  immediate  contrast  is  ob- 
tained from  a  most  elegant  and  quiet  walk,  which 
presents  itself  in  turning  down  by  the  White 
Lion  Inn,  at  the  corner  of  Bridge-Street. 
Pulteney- Bridge  is  soon  crossed  over,  which, 
from  its  communication  with  the  other  side  of 
the  town,  has  produced  incalculable  advantages 
to  Bath.  From  this  place,  the  view  of  SYDNEY 
HOTEL  and  entrance  to  the  Gardens,  which  ap- 
pear at  the  bottom  of  Great  Pulteney -Street, 
not  only  operates  as  a  complete  finish  to  the 
admirable  piles  of  architecture  by  \\hich  it  is 
surrounded,  but  it  has  a  very  pleasing  and  ele- 
gant effect.  Adjoining  to  the  above  bridge  is 
Ar gyle- Buildings,  in  which  is  situated  Gibbon's 
Public  Library,  and  also  the  Independent  Meet- 
ing-House,  (Mr.  JAY'S,)  which  is  a  lofty  hand- 
some building;  and  its  interior  is  very  neat  and 
pleasing.  It  has  also  an  excellent  choir  of 
singers,  who  are  accompanied  by  a  fine-toned 
organ ;  a  capacious  gallery,  and  very  commo- 
dious pews.  Divine  service  is  performed  twice 
every  Sunday,  and  on  Thursday  evenings. 
Grove-Street  is  on  the  left,  and  at  the  bottom  of 
which  is  a  pleasing  view  of  Walcot  Parade  and 
Terrace.  Proceeding  forwards  Laura-Place, 
which  is  very  capacious,  is  seen  to  much  ad- 
vantage: and  the  houses  all  round  it  have  a 
very  imposing  appearance;  in  the  middle  of 
Laura-Place  is  a  small  enclosure,  with  iron 
rails,  which  gives  it  rather  the  look  of  a  square. 
To  the  right  is  Johnstone-Street,  also  composed 
of  elegant  mansions,  and  at  the  bottom  of 
which  the  prospect  is  delightful,  embracing  an 
extensive  view  of  Prior-Park,  and  its  superb 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  181 

mansion  ;  the  sprinkling  of  trees,  houses,  and 
hills;  the  Sham  Castle  on  the  left.  In  the  road 
at  no  great  distance  is  to  be  observed  a  new 
range  of  houses;  and  farther  improvements  are 
still  aimed  at  in  this  quarter,  by  the  formation 
of  a  circular  road,  for  which  purpose,  it  is  said, 
ground  has  already  been  marked  out.  Upon  the 
other  side  of  Laura-Place  is  Henrietta-Street, 
in  which  is  Laura-Chapel,  which  is  a  very  ele- 
gant and  commodious  building,  and  opened  for 
divine  service  in  1700.  It  was  built  on  a  ton- 
tine subscription ;  and  is  rendered  very  comfort- 
able in  the  winter  season  by  several  fires.  It 
may  not  be  improper  to  observe,  that  strangers, 
admitted  once  into  a  seat  in  this  place  of  wor- 
ship, are  expected  upon  any  future  attendance 
to  rent  a  sitting.  A  good  view  of  Bacon-Hill  is 
obtained  at  the  bottom  of  this  street.  From 
Laura-Place.  Great  Pultency-Street  now  ap- 
pears in  all  its  architectural  grandeur :  the  uni- 
formity of  the  houses ;  the  extent  of  the  car- 
riage-road ;  the  width  of  the  pavements,  and 
its  great  cleanliness,  all  combine  to  give  Great 
Pulteney- Street  that  sort  of  importance  and  air 
of  quality,  which  every  visitor  must  feel  in  pass- 
ing through  it.  William-Street,  on  the  right, 
possesses  a  pretty  view  towards  Widcome,  from 
the  middle  of  Great  Pulteney-Street.  The  look- 
out from  Sunder  land- Street,  on  the  left,  is  ex- 
tremely grand  ;  the  high  hills,  the  ranges  of 
various  buildings  at  Walcot,  rising  proudly 
higher  and  higher,  give  it  a  sort  of  amphitheatric 
appearance,  like  ancient  Rome,  and  relieved  by 
the  garden-grounds  beneath,  form  a  very  inte- 
resting picture.  The  entrance  to  Sydney  Ta- 


182  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

vern  and  Gardens  has  to  boast  of  much  respec- 
tability ;  and  the  tavern  is  a  capacious  and 
elegant  erection. 

SYDNEY-GARDENS  is  one  of  the  most  pro- 
minent, pleasing,  and  elegant  features  attached 
to  the  City  of  Bath.  The  hand  of  taste  is 
visible  in  every  direction  of  it ;  and  the  plants 
and  trees  exhibit  the  most  beautiful  luxuriance. 
Upon  gala-nights,  the  music,  singing,  cascades, 
transparencies,  fire-works,  and  superb  illumina- 
tions, render  these  gardens  very  similar  to  Vaux- 
hall.  The  Orchestra  is  close  to  the  back  of  the 
Tavern,  neatly  arranged  and  elevated,  with  a 
large  open  space  before  it,  well  gravelled.  The 
gradual  ascent  of  the  principal  walk,  that  leads 
to  the  top  of  the  gardens  up  to  a  half-circular 
stone  pavillion,  which  is  paved  and  covered  in, 
with  a  seat  round  it,  and  supported  by  several 
stone  pillars,  upon  a  gala-night  has  a  most  bril- 
liant effect,  from  the  numerous  variegated  lamps 
with  which  it  is  ornamented.  The  walks  are  all 
well  rolled  and  gravelled  ;  and  seats  and  places 
for  refreshment  are  to  be  met  with  in  various 
parts  of  the  gardens.  The  view,  when  seated  in 
the  above  pavillion  down  to  the  orchestra, 
across  arches  covered  with  lamps,  gives  it  a 
very  captivating  appearance.  Upon  those  nights 
set  apart  for  promenading  only,  a  military  band 
attends;  and  music  also  enlivens  the  scene, 
when  public  breakfasts  are  given.  There  are 
also  several  swings,  adapted  for  the  ladies;  and 
others  for  gentlemen.  Numerous  covered-in 
boxes ;  and  several  alcoves  formed  with  much 
botanical  taste,  grottos,  &c.  render  this  pro- 
menade highly  attractive  during  the  summer 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  183 

evenings.  In  the  most  retired  parts  of  the  gar- 
dens one  of  these  grottos,  it  appears,  was  once 
the  happy  meeting-place,  and  dedicated  to  the 
tender  passion,  with  a  sincerity  and  animation 
unrivalled,  by  one  of  the  greatest  geniuses  that 
ever  adorned  this  or  any  other  country,  but  who 
is  gone  to  that  "  bourne  from  whence  no  tra- 
veller returns,"  following  the  superior,  amiable, 
and  affectionate  object  of  his  heart,  who  had 
also  long  been  previously  consigned  to  the  icy 
tomb  of  death.  The  remembrance  of  the  late 
RICHARD  BRINSLKY  SIIKIUDAN,  Esq.  and  his 
wife,  Miss  Linley,  (termed  the  syren  and  angel  of 
the  concerts  at  Bath,)  must  render  this  grotto 
a  most  interesting  feature  to  every  lover  of  ta- 
lent, elegance,  and  virtue,  and  in  which  the 
following  copy  of  verses  were  written  by  the 
above  patriotic  senator,  and  left  for  that  lady's 
perusal : — 

Uncouth  is  this  moss-cover'd  grotto  of  stone, 

And  damp  is  the  shade  of  this  dew-dripping  tree  ; 

Yet  I  this  rude  grotto  with  rapture  will  own  ; 
And  willow,  thy  damps  are  refreshing  to  me. 

In  this  is  the  grotto  where  DELIA  reclin'd, 
As  late  I  in  secret  her  confidence  sought  ; 

And  this  is  the  tree  kept  her  safe  from  the  wind 
As  blushing  she  heard  the  grave  lesson  I  taught. 

Then  tell  me,  thou  grotto  of  moss-cover'd  stone, 
And  tell  me,  thou  willow  with  leaves  diipping  dew, 

Did  DELIA  seem  vex'd  when  HORATIO  was  gone  ? 
And  did  she  confess  her  resentment  to  you  ? 

Mothinks  now  each  bouuh,  as  you're  waving  it,  tries 
To  whisper  a  cause  for  the  sorrow  I  feel ; 

To  hint  how  she  frown'd  when  I  dar'd  to  advise, 
And  sigh'd  when  she  saw  that  I  did  it  with  zeal. 


184  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH, 

True,  true,  silly  leaves,  so  she  did,  I  allow ; 

She  frown'd  ;  but  no  rage  in  her  looks  did  I  sec  : 
She  frown'd  ;  but  reflection  had  clouded  her  brow  : 

She  sigh'd  ;  but,  perhaps,  'twas  in  pity  for  me. 

Then  wave  thy  leaves  brisker,  thou  willow  of  woe; 

I  tell  thee,  no  rage  in  her  looks  could  I  see  ; 
I  cannot,  I  will  not,  believe  it  was  so, 

She  was  not,  she  could  not,  be  angry  with  me. 

For  well  did  she  know  that  ray  heart  meant  no  wrong  j 
It  sunk  at  the  thought  but  of  giving  her  pain  ; 

But  trusted  its  task  to  a  faultering  tongue, 

Which  err'd  from  the  feelings  it  could  not  explain. 

Yet,  oh  !  if,  indeed,  I've  offended  the  maid  ; 

If  DELIA  my  humble  monitions  refuse; 
Sweet  willow,  the  next  time  she  visits  thy  shade, 

Fan  gently  her  bosom,  and  plead  my  excuse. 

And  thou,  stone  grot,  in  thy  arch  might  preserve 
Two  lingering  drops  of  the  night-fallen  dew  ; 

And  just  let  them  fall  at  her  feet,  and  they '11  serve 
As  tears  of  my  sorrow  intrusted  to  you. 

Or,  lest  they  unheeded  should  fall  at  her  feet, 

Let  them  fall  on  her  bosom  of  snow  ;  and  to  swear, 

The  next  time  I  visit  thy  moss-cover'd  seat, 
I'll  pay  thee  each  drop  with  a  genuine  tear. 

So  may 'st  thou,  green  willow,  for  ages  thus  toss 

Thy  branches  so  lank  o'er  the  slow  winding  stream; 

And  thou,  stone  grotto,  retain  all  thy  moss, 

While  yet  there's  a  poet  to  make  thee  his  theme. 

Naj,  more — may  my  DELIA  still  give  you  her  charms 
Each  ev'ning,  and  sometimes  the  whole  ev'ning  long; 

Then,  grotto,  be  proud,  to  support  her  white  arm, 
Then,  willow,  wave  all  thy  green  tops  to  her  song. 

Upon  the  whole,  SYDNEY-GARDENS  must  be 
viewed  not  only  as  a  great  ornament  to  Bath, 
but  is  another,  among  the  numerous  proofs  of 
the  great  anxiety  of  the  inhabitants  to  render 
the  amusements  of  this  elegant  City,  without  a 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  185 

parallel  in  the  kingdom  !  The  Rennet  and  Avon 
Canal  runs  through  the  gardens,  with  two  ele- 
gant cast-iron  bridges  thrown  over  it,  after  the 
manner  of  the  Chinese ;  and  the  romantic  and 
picturesque  scenery,  by  which  they  are  sur- 
rounded, is  fascinating  beyond  measure.  Great 
opposition,  it  seems,  was  originally  made  to  the 
canal  running  through  these  gardens  by  the 
proprietor  ;  but  it  gives  such  a  variety  to  the 
walks,  that  its  introduction  is  now  viewed  as  a 
great  addition.  It  would  be  a  matter  of  some 
difficulty  to  point  out  a  spot  of  ground  so  taste- 
fully laid  out  as  SYDNEY-GARDENS.  Vaux- 
hall,  it  is  true,  may  boast  of  its  superiority  for 
brilliancy,  and  number  of  lamps,  and  vocal  per- 
formers ;  but,  in  other  respects,  viewed  as  a 
garden,  the  competition  would  be  perfectly  ri- 
diculous. The  Labyrinth,  shown  here  at  three- 
pence each  person,  is  an  object  of  curiosity. 
The  inducement  to  enter  it  is  one  of  Merlin's 
swings,  which  appears  not  only  very  prominent, 
but  easy  of  access.  However,  it  might  puzzle 
any  cunning  person,  if  left  to  himself  and  with- 
out a  clue,  for  six  hours,  to  acquire  the  much 
wished  for  spot  ;  and  it  is  rather  a  difficult  task 
when  the  explorer  of  the  Labyrinth  has  the  di- 
rection pointed  out  to  him  from  a  man  stationed 
in  the  swing.  The  inns  and  outs  necessary  to 
be  made,  it  is  said,  measure  half  a  mile.  When 
the  swing  is  made,  and  the  secret  unravelled, 
the  guardian  of  this  sort  of  Fair  Rosamond's 
bower  conveys  the  visitor  once  more  into  the 
public  walks ;  the  variety  of  which,  that  con- 
tinually meet  the  eye  of  the  promenader  are 
truly  attractive.  A  most  delightful  piece  of 


186  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

ground,  like  a  bowling-green,  enveloped  with 
trees,  and  a  small  natural  cascade  from  a  spring, 
cannot  be  passed  with  indifference.  The  com- 
pany, generally,  are  of  the  most  respectable  de- 
scription; and  upon  some  of  the  gala-nights, 
upwards  of  4000  persons  have  paid  for  admis- 
sion, which  is  2*.  6d.  each.  In  fact,  the  most 
fastidious  observer  cannot  find  fault  with  SYD- 
NEY-GARDENS, which  have  also  another  advan- 
tage to  recommend  them  to  the  visitors  of  Bath, 
namely,  in  having  a  surrounding  ride,  for  the 
accommodation  of  ladies  and  gentlemen  on 
horseback,  that  commands  beautiful  and  ro- 
mantic views,  and  of  being  free  from  dust  in 
the  summer,  and  dirt  in  thq  winter.  The  terms 
of  subscription  for  walking  are  for  one  month, 
each  person,  4*. ;  for  three  months,  7*.  6d. ;  and 
the  season,  10*.  If  two  in  one  family,  each 
7«.  Gd. ;  ditto,  if  three  or  more,  each  6s.  Non- 
subscribers,  for  walking,  6rf.  each  time.  Nursery- 
maids with  children  in  arms,  one  subscription. 
Gentlemen  and  families  may  be  accommodated 
with  elegant  apartments  at  Sydney-House.  The 
terms  of  subscription  to  the  ride,  one  month, 
'2s.  Gd.  each  person.  Three  months,  6*.  Six 
months,  10s.  The  year,  15s.  Non-subscribers, 
6d.  each  time. 

On  leaving  the  Gardens  and  turning  round  to 
the  left,  at  the  bottom  of  Sydney-Place  stands, 
what  is  now  called  the  QUEEN'S  HOUSE,  from 
her  late  MAJESTY  having  occupied  it  during  her 
visit  to  Bath.  Its  principal  recommendation,  it 
seems,  was  its  capaciousness,  as  her  MAJESTY 
had  given  the  preference  to  the  ROYAL  CRES- 
CENT; but,  in  consequence  of  not  being  able 
to  procure  four  houses  at  this  most  delightful 


. 


!  ty  Ster*90d.   Jb    C* 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  187 

spot,  which  were  required  to  contain  the  suite 
of  persons  in  attendance  upon  the  QUEEN,  the 
above  mansion  was  considered  as  the  most  eligi- 
ble for  the  reception  of  royalty.  Over  the  por- 
tico of  the  hall -door  is  a  look-out  entirely 
covered  with  glass,  like  a  lantern.  Every  ex- 
ertion was  used  to  render  it  comfortable  and 
convenient  to  her  Majesty  ;  and  a  barren  gravel- 
pit,  which  appeared  in  front  of  the  house,  was 
soon  metamorphosed  into  a  pleasant  shrubbery  ; 
a  mast  was  also  erected  in  the  middle  of  it,  and 
upon  which  the  royal  flag  was  hoisted.  The 
bed-chamber  commands  a  fine  prospect  of  the 
adjacent  country,  Prior  -  Park,  fyc.  fyc.  An 
interesting  view  of  Sydney  -  Gardens  also  en- 
riches the  drawing-room.  This  apartment  was 
furnished  by  her  Majesty's  upholsterer,  assisted 
by  several  tradesmen  of  the  City  of  Bath.  It 
had  a  magnificent  appearance,  and  completely 
in  unison  with  the  taste  of  royalty.  The  furni- 
ture and  carpet  were  grey  ;  and  the  chairs  and 
tables  made  of  delicately  looking  rose-wood. 
Of  an  evening  it  was  brilliantly  illuminated  from 
a  twelve-light  chandelier,  suspended  in  the  centre 
of  the  room.  The  pavement  is  full  six  yards  wide 
in  front  of  the  house;  and  which  is  contiguous  to 
a  new  street  forming,  to  be  called  Upper  Great 
Pulteney  -  Street,  and  will  be,  when  finished, 
fourteen  feet  wider  than  any  other  street  in  Bath. 
The  whole  of  this  neighbourhood  is  truly  at- 
tractive ;  and  the  visitor  may  retrace  his  steps 
without  the  fear  of  encountering  monotony  ;  but, 
on  the  contrary,  the  superiority  of  the  archi- 
tecture will  bear  the  most  minute  inspection  with 
increased  satisfaction  and  interest  till  he  returns 
to  High-Street. 


188  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 


WALK  IX. 


From  Great  Pulteney-Street,  turn  down  into  Grove- 
Street,  (BRIDEWELL;  and  the  GIRLS'  FREE- 
SCHOOL,)  alongside  of  the  Avon  ;  pass  Waterloo- 
Place  into  Widcombe.  To  PRIOR-PARK,  through 
ALLEN'S  Walk  to  the  Mansion- House ;  pass  Isabella 
and  Prospect  Places,  and  Byfield-Buildings  toCombe- 
Down,  into  the  Stone-Quarry.  Return  by  Cla- 
verton  Dozen  to  the  "  BRASS  KNOCKER,"  from 
thence  to  the  AQUEDUCT.  Walk  between  the 
Avon  and  the  Canal.  Claverton- Church,  <§'c-  to 
Bath-Hampton.  Bailbrook- Lodge  ;  through  Syd- 
ney-Place to  Great  Pulteney-Street. 


IN  starting  from  Great  Pulteney-Street,  the 
visitor  will,  for  a  moment,  turn  aside  from  the 
mansions  of  fashion  and  elegance,  to  take  a 
cursory  view  of  the  abode  of  depravity  and 
misconduct,  in  order  to  render  the  view  of  this 
highly-famed  city  complete  and  impartial.  At 
the  bottom  of  Grove-Street,  on  the  right,  stands 
the  BRIDEWELL  of  Bath,  on  a  piece  of  ground 
160  feet  each  way,  the  exterior  of  which  is 
more  like  the  residence  of  a  gentleman,  from 
its  architectural  taste,  than  the  gloomy  walls  of 
a  prison.  It  is  from  the  iron  bars  across  the 
windows  that  principally  designates  its  charac- 
ter; but,  "  disguise  thyself  as  thou  wilt, "observes 
STERNE,  "  still  thou  art  a  bitter  draught !"  The 


^VALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  189 

interior  is  clean, though  small;  and  the  yards  for 
the  different  degrees  of  crime  too  much  confined 
for  room.  The  small  house  in  the  middle  of  the 
whole  area  is  kept  solely  for  the  confinement  of 
the  felons,  but  which  appears  scarcely  big  enough 
to  contain  a  dozen  persons.  It  is  also  a  prison  for 
debtors.  Plans,  it  is  said,  are  under  the  con- 
sideration of  the  Corporation  to  erect  a  New 
Gaol,  or  to  enlarge  the  present  prison;  but  its 
inhabitants,  however,  are  seldom  numerous, 
owing  to  its  well-regulated  police.  In  returning 
up  Grove-Street,  (which  also  contains  the  Girls 
Free-School,  a  most  excellent  institution,  and 
under  the  immediate  protection  of  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Warner,)  an  archway  presents  itself,  which  leads 
immediately  to  the  side  of  the  Avon  ;  and,  pro- 
ceeding along  the  banks  of  the  river,  enjoying 
the  view  of  the  various  fine  elevations,  the  vene- 
rable Abbey,  &c.  Waterloo-Place  is  soon  passed, 
and,  on  turning  to  the  left,  the  main  street  of 
IFidcombe,  this  suburb  of  Bath  is  gained.  This 
outlet  has  also  to  boast  of  the  high-sounding 
names  of  Widcombe-  Parade  and  Claverton- 
Place.  Turning  on  the  right,  at  the  bottom  of 
the  Parade,  the  Poor-House,  on  a  small  hill, 
is  pleasantly  and  healthfully  situated.  At  a 
little  distance  from  this  spot  is  a  large  pair  of 
gates,  which  protect  the  private  road  to  PRIOR- 
PARK,  the  once  celebrated  seat  of  the  benevo- 
lent RALPH  ALLEN,  Esq.  On  the  left  of 
which,  upon  a  very  high  eminence,  stands  the 
back  part  of  Widcombe- Crescent,  a  range  of 
very  handsome  buildings.  The  prospect  now 
becomes  pleasing,  from  the  sprinkling  of  ele- 
gant houses,  particularly  a  small  thatched 


190  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

Gothic  cottage,  upon  a  hill,  on  the  right,  which 
serves  to  show  the  excellent  taste  adopted  by 
the  builders  of  Bath.  Pursuing  a  steady  course, 
another  gate  is  passed,  which  originally  was 
called  "  ALLEN'S  WALK."  The  considerate 
disposition  of  this  humane  character  had  indu- 
ced him,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  public, 
to  erect,  in  several  parts  of  this  walk,  stone 
seats  ;  but  all  of  which  are  now  removed.  A 
road  to  the  left  leads  to  Widcombe  Church. 
On  a  very  lofty  eminence  stands  the  fine  seat  of 
Mr.  Tugwell,  the  banker.  The  spectator  here 
becomes  so  enraptured  with  the  surrounding 
scene,  that  for  a  moment  he  is  lost  in  ecstacy  in 
beholding  the  beauties  of  nature  and  art  com- 
bined. To  the  right,  on  one  side  of  the  road, 
are  fine  lofty  elm-trees,  which,  during  the 
time  of  ALLEN,  were  growing  on  both  sides, 
and  their  boughs  so  closely  entwined  with  each 
other,  as  to  form  in  the  winter-time  a  most  sin- 
gular but  complete  picture  of  a  long  Gothic 
arch.  At  an  opening,  a  few  yards  further  along 
the  road,  on  turning  round  to  take  a  look  at 
the  City,  the  Royal  Crescent  appears  with  pe- 
culiar grandeur ;  in  fact,  the  whole  circle,  for 
richness  and  luxuriance  of  prospect,  defies  re- 
cital. In  peeping  over  a  stone-wall,  about  four 
feet  high,  on  the  left  side  of  the  road,  the 
pleasure-grounds  beneath,  belonging  to  PRIOR- 
HOUSE,  appear  in  fine  cultivation  ;  and  the  water, 
and  the  foliage  of  the  chesnut,  fir,  and  elm  trees 
increase  the  effect.  On  proceeding  up  the  road, 
a  slight  view  of  the  mansion  -  house  appears, 
also  the  residence  for  the  keeper,  and  upon  an 
ascent  on  the  left,  an  antique  look-out.  By  the 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  191 

side  of  the  road  stands  a  piece  of  freestone,  as 
a  sort  of  sample,  to  show  how  very  large  some 
of  them  are  brought  from  the  quarries.  It 
measures  in  height  twelve  feet,  and  three  in 
breadth.  A  few  steps  farther,  and  the  traveller 
experiences  the  pleasing  sensation  of  treading 
upon  classical  British  ground :  A  SPOT,  that 
must  ever  prove  dear  to  the  lovers  of  literature, 
when  it  is  remembered,  that  it  was  here  the 
inimitable  FIELDING  produced  his  TOM  JONES, 
(that  standard  of  novels  in  the  English  language ;) 
and  to  which  may  be  added,  several  literary 
works  were  also  written  by  that  most  powerful 
enlightened  scholar  and  wit  Bishop  WARBUR- 
TON.  With  these  recollections,  PRIOR-PARK- 
HOUSE  becomes  of  the  most  interesting  nature ; 
and  it  cannot  be  viewed  merely  for  its  delightful 
situation,  beautiful  grounds,  and  distinguished 
architecture  ;  nor  passed  over  with  the  common 
routine  of  a  gentleman's  estate.  From  the  vir- 
tues of  its  once  liberal-minded  proprietor,  and 
the  extraordinary  talents  of  its  inmates,  such  as 
POPE,  FIELDING,  and  WARBURTON,  it  pos- 
sesses far  more  sterling  claims  to  respect  and 
admiration. 

PRIOR-PARK-HOUSE  is  so  called  from  the 
circumstance  of  its  having  been  built  on  land 
which  formerly  belonged  to  the  prior  of  Bath, 
who  had  a  grange,  or  farm,  at  a  short  distance 
from  it,  and  a  park  that  supplied  the  monastery 
with  venison.  It  was  erected  by  the  celebrated 
Ralph  Allen,  Esq.  in  1743,  on  a  slope  of  land 
100  feet  below  the  summit  of  Coomb-Down,  and 
400  above  the  City  of  Bath;  and  is  certainly 
one  of  the  most  magnificent  freestone  mansions, 


192  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

with  respect  to  its  outside,  in  the  kingdom.  A 
noble  house  forms  the  centre;  from  the  extre- 
mities of  which  stretch  two  sweeping  arcades, 
connecting  with  the  main  body,  as  many  wings 
of  offices,  terminated  by  elegant  pavilions,  and 
forming  a  continued  line  of  building  of  nearly 
1800  feet  in  front.  The  style  is  Corinthian, 
raised  on  a  rustic  basement,  and  surmounted  by 
a  balustrade.  From  the  plane  of  the  centre 
part  an  extremely-grand  portico  projects,  sup- 
ported by  six  large  and  elegant  columns.  But 
all  the  majesty  of  the  building  is  without. 
Within,  every  thing  (if  we  except  the  Chapel, 
which  is  neat  and  elegant,  and  adorned  with  an 
altar-piece,  by  Van  Deest)  is  little,  dark,  and 
inconvenient ;  and  seldom  has  so  much  money 
been  so  injudiciously  applied,  as  the  enormous 
sum  expended  in  the  comfortless  Palace  of 
Prior-Park.  Fielding  laid  the  scene  of  the  early 
years  of  Tom  Jones  at  this  place,  and  has,  also, 
in  his  work,  given  a  picture  of  the  beautiful 
situation  of  Mr.  Allen's  house,  the  Alhvorthy 
of  his  novel.  Making  allowances  for  the  fancy 
of  an  author,  in  an  imaginary  river,  sea,  distant 
island,  and  ruined  abbey,  the  description  is 
tolerably  correct ;  at  least,  many  of  its  most 
agreeable  features  are  real.  From  the  novel,  it 
appears,  "  the  house  stood  on  the  south-east 
side  of  a  hill,  but  nearer  the  bottom  than  the 
top  of  it,  so  as  to  be  sheltered  from  the  north- 
east by  a  grove  of  old  oaks,  which  rose  above 
it,  in  a  gradual  ascent  of  nearly  half  a  mile,  and 
yet  high  enough  to  enjoy  a  most  charming  pro- 
spect of  the  valley  beneath.  In  the  midst  of 
the  grove  was  a  vine -lawn,  sloping  towards 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  193 

the  house,  near  the  summit  of  which  rose  a 
plentiful  spring,  gushing  out  of  a  rock,  covered 
with  firs,  and  forming  a  constant  cascade  of 
about  thirty  feet,  not  carried  down  a  regular 
flight  of  steps,  but  tumbling  in  a  natural  fall 
over  the  broken  and  mossy  stones,  till  it  came 
to  the  bottom  of  the  rock  ;  then  running  off  in 
a  pebbly  channel,  that  with  many  lesser  falls 
winding  along,  till  it  fell  into  a  lake  at  the  foot 
of  a  hill,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  below  the 
house,  on  the  south  side,  and  which  was  seen 
from  every  room  in  the  front.  Out  of  this  lake, 
which  filled  the  centre  of  a  beautiful  plain,  em- 
bellished with  groupes  of  beeches  and  elms,  and 
fed  with  sheep,  issued  a  river,  that  for  several 
miles  was  seen  to  meander  through  an  amazing 
variety  of  meadows  and  woods,  till  it  emptied 
itself  into  the  sea,  with  a  large  arm  of  which, 
and  an  island  beyond  it,  the  prospect  closed. 
On  the  right  of  this  valley  opened  another  of 
less  extent,  adorned  with  several  villages,  and 
terminated  by  one  of  the  towers  of  an  old  ruined 
abbey,  grown  over  with  ivy,  and  part  of  the 
front  which  still  remained  entire.  The  left 
scene  presented  the  view  of  a  fine  park,  com- 
posed of  very  unequal  ground,  and  agreeably 
varied  with  all  the  diversity  that  hills,  lawn, 
wood,  and  water,  laid  out  with  admirable  taste, 
but  owing  less  to  art  than  to  nature,  could 
give.  Beyond  this  the  country  gradually  rose 
into  a  ridge  of  wild  mountains,  the  tops  of 
which  were  above  the  clouds."  He  has  omitted, 
however,  the  splendid  Palladian  bridge  at  the 
bottom  of  the  pleasure-grounds :  and  the  stri- 
king view  of  Bath  caught  beyond  this  structure, 

o 


194  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

which  before  the  additions  to  the  city,  made 
within  these  last  forty  years,  must  have  formed 
a  very  interesting  feature  in  the  prospect.  The 
character  which  Fielding  has  given  us  of  his 
patron  is  of  so  exalted  a  nature,  that  we  should 
be  tempted  to  believe  the  anticipation  of  the 
rich  remuneration  he  received  for  his  eulogium, 
£500,  had  made  him  paint  "  beyond  the  reach  of 
nature,"  did  not  general  report,  and  local  tra- 
dition, confirm  the  account  of  the  novelist  to 
its  fullest  extent;* and  united  in  assuring  us,  that 

*  It  may,  perhaps,  be  not  unworthy  of  observation,  that  it 
is  rather  singular  no  designation  of  person  has  been  pointed  out 
amongst  the  biographers  of  FIELDING  and  ALLEN;  or,  in 
the  numerous "  Guides"  published  in  Bath,  whereby  any  clue 
might  be  obtained  towards  satisfactorily  ascertaining  the  real 
character  of  'Squire  Western.  The  Allworthy,  of  JOM  JONES, 
is  admitted,  on  all  hands,  to  have  been  the  late  benevolent 
RALPH  ALLEN,  Esq.  It  is  true,  that  in  respect  of  ami- 
ability of  disposition,  no  comparison  exists  between  those 
two  personages ;  but,  nevertheless,  'Squire  Western  is  drawn 
with  so  much  strength — it  abounds  with  so  many  real 
touches  of  nature — the  huntsman  (or  prevailing  passion) 
preponderates  throughout  every  movement  of  his  life,  and 
yet  the  fine  traits  of  the  parent  are  preserved  with  so  much 
fidelity,  that  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  suppose  an  entire 
imaginary  portrait  could  have  proved  so  complete  in  all  its 
bearings — neither  distorted  upon  the  one  side,  so  as  to  out- 
rage probability,  or  proving  tamely  deficient  on  the  other, 
as  to  evince  a  false  conception,  without  some  ORIGINAL 
being  near  at  hand,  of  whom  a  perfect  likeness  might  at 
length  be  procured  from  the  advantages  of  various  sittings. 
It  is,  however,  urged,  that  'Squire  Western  (that  is  to  say, 
a  gentleman  huntsman,  and  much  addicted  to  the  sports  of 
the  field)  was,  in  reality,  a  near  neighbour  of  Mr.  Allen, 
who  had  a  daughter  "  passing  fair ;"  and  that  this  young 
lady  did  marry  a  "  foundling,"  who  became  possessed,  by 
such  marriage,  of  two  joining  estates.  The  authority,  per- 
haps, at  this  period,  may  be  considered  as  rather  question- 
able. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  195 

Mr.  Allen  was  one  of  the  best  as  well  as  the 
most  fortunate  of  men. 

Let  low-born*  Allen,  with  ingenuous  shame, 
Do  good  by  stealth,  and  blush  to  find  it  fame. 

Born  in  1692,  of  humble  parents,  Allen  inherit- 
ed little  from  his  ancestors,  except  a  decent 
country-village  education;  but  nature  had  given 
him  a  clear  head  and  an  excellent  heart.  With 
these  endowments  he  came  to  Bath  early  in  the 
18th  century,  and  was  appointed  a  clerk  in  the 
Post-Office  there.  The  diligence  and  fidelity 
which  he  manifested  in  his  employment  were 
rewarded  in  1715,  when  having  obtained  infor- 
mation of  a  waggon-load  of  arms,  coming  from 
the  West  of  England,  to  be  secretly  dispersed 
among  those  who  favoured  the  cause  of  the  Pre- 
tender in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bath,  he  com- 
municated the  intelligence  to  General  Wade, 
quartered  at  that  time  in  the  city.  The  Com- 
mander, pleased  with  the  vigilance  and  loyalty 
of  the  young  man,  immediately  honoured  him 
with  his  favour,  and  determined  to  be  the 
guardian  of  his  fortunes.  He  accordingly  pro- 
cured his  succession  to  the  office  of  Postmaster, 
and  shortly  afterwards  married  him  to  his  na- 
tural daughter,  a  Miss  Earl.  Thus  established, 
Allen  soon  rose  into  affluence.  Having  submit- 
ted an  ingenious  plan  to  Government  for  the 
multiplication  of  the  Cross-Posts,  by  which  the 
revenue  would  gain  £6000  per  annum,  it  was 
adopted,  and  a  lease,  at  that  rent,  of  the  Cross- 

*  Mr.  Allen,  it  appears,  was  displeased  at  the  epithet  of 
tow-born,  in  I*ope,  and  occasioned  it,  by  the  suggestion  of 
Warburton,  to  be  softened  to  humble. 

02 


19G  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

Posts,  granted  to  the  inventor  for  twenty-one 
years.  The  profits  of  his  tenure  may  be  ima- 
gined from  his  taking  another  lease  for  twenty- 
one  years,  at  the  expiration  of  the  former  one, 
at  the  annual  rent  of  £20,000.  It  was  during 
this  latter  period  that  he  built  the  stately  man- 
sion of  Prior-Park,  and  opened  those  vast  quar- 
ries on  Coomb-Down,  which  are  to  this  day 
objects  of  curiosity  ;  bringing  down  the  stone 
from  the  place  where  it  was  cut,  to  the  river,  by 
the  means  of  a  rail-road,  or  inclined  plane, 
which  he  ingeniously  contrived  for  the  purpose. 
But  though  thus  actively  occupied,  he  did  not 
omit  to  cultivate,  with  unremitting  attention, 
his  interests  at  Bath;  and  at  length  acquired 
such  a  complete  controul  of  the  city,  as  to  give 
occasion  to  the  publication  of  a  ludicrous  cari- 
cature, called  the  One -Headed  Corporation; 
wherein,  amid  an  assembly  of  figures,  (intended 
for  the  mayor,  aldermen,  and  common  council- 
men,  and  marked  by  the  appropriate  emblems 
of  apothecaries,  booksellers,  &c.)  a  single  mon- 
strous head  is  discovered,  to  which  all  the 
others  are  doing  obeisance.  As  Mr.  Allen's 
object,  however,  was  to  use  the  corporation,  and 
not  to  serve  them,  he  carefully  and  wisely  avoid- 
ed becoming  their  representative,  and  contented 
himself  with  pointing  out  to  them  whom  they 
should  choose  for  that  purpose.  This  reign  of 
influence  continued  many  years  ;  during  which 
time  Prior-Park  was  the  resort  of  the  wits  and 
literati  of  the  age.  Amidst  this  constellation  of 
geniuses,  Pope  shone  the  distinguished  star ; 
who  had  become  intimate  with  Allen  from  the 
personal  advances  of  the  latter,  in  consequence 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  197 

of  an  esteem  he  liad  conceived  for  him  on 
reading  the  surreptitious  edition  of  his  letters  in 
1734.  But  the  friendship  of  a  wit  is  not  to  be 
depended  upon.  Pope,  who  visited  much  at 
Prior-Park,  and  found  the  house  so  comforta- 
ble as  to  be  desirous  of  being  there  more,  re- 
quested Mr.  Allen  to«grant  him  the  mansion  at 
Bath -Hampton,  in  order  that  he  might  bring 
Martha  Blount  thither  (with  whom  Pope's  con- 
nexion was  somewhat  equivocal)  during  the  time 
of  his  own  residence  at  Prior- Park.  This  re- 
quest, Allen  (whose  delicacy  was  extreme)  flatly 
refused  ;  which  so  exasperated  the  little  wasp, 
that  he  quitted  his  house  in  disgust,  and  never 
afterwards  expressed  himself  in  terms  of  com- 
mon civility  with  respect  to  his  old  host  and 
former  friend .*  Nay,  urged  by  the  malice-  of 
Mrs.  Blount,  he  meanly  and  wickedly  carried 
his  resentment  beyond  the  grave,  and  inserted  in 
his  will  an  order  to  his  executors  to  pay  Mr. 
Allen  the  sum  of  £150,  being  the  amount  (as 
he  apprehended)  of  the  charges  Mr.  Allen 

*  This  relation,  which  is  given  partly  on  the  authority  of 
the  historical  account  of  Bath,  is  not  correct.  Pope  kept 
up  his  friendship  with  Mr.  Allen  to  the  last,  as  appears  by 
his  letters,  and  Mrs.  Blount  remained  in  Mr.  Allen's  house 
some  time  after  the  coolness  took  place  between  her  and 
Mrs.  Allen.  Allen's  conversation  with  Pope  on  this  subject, 
and  his  letters  to  Mrs.  Blount,  all  whose  quarrels  he  was 
obliged  to  share,  appear  in  Mr.  Bowles's  edition  of  Pope's 
Works. — See  a  note  (c.),  Vol.  XII.  p.  96,  of  Chalmers's 
edition  of  the  British  Notes.  lu  also  making  an  extract 
from  the  work  alluded  to,  it  becomes  necessary  to  give  the 
authority  from  whence  the  contradiction  to  the  above  cir- 
cumstance is  taken. — See  Beauties  of  England  and  Wales. 
SOMERSETSHIRE,  Vol.  XKI.  Part  I.  p.  441. 


198  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

might  have  been  at  in  entertaining  him  at  Prior- 
Park  ;  adding,  that  if  Mr.  Allen  would  not  re- 
ceive the  money,  he  hoped  he  would  at  least 
order  it  to  be  paid  into  the  fund  of  the  Bath 
Hospital.  Allen  was  too  wise  and  too  good  a 
man  to  feel  resentment  at  this  contemptible 
instance  of  impotent  revenge  ;  and  when  com- 
plying with  the  latter  part  of  the  deceased  poet's 
wish,  and  ordering  the  money  to  be  applied  to 
the  charity,  he  with  a  smile  observed,  that 
"  when  Mr.  Pope  was  expressing  the  sum  of 
obligation,  he  certainly  had  forgotten  to  add 
one  more  cipher  to  it/'  Previously,  however, 
to  Pope's  disgust  at  Allen,  he  had  introduced 
Warburton  to  him,  and  by  that  means  laid  the 
foundation  of  that  prelate's  future  fortune.* 
This,  indeed,  was  but  a  fair  return  for  the 
assistance  which  the  divine  had  conferred  upon 
the  poet;  for  when  Crousa z attacked  the  "Essay 
on  Man,"  and  accused  its  writer  of  favouring 
fatalism  and  rejecting-  revelation,  Warburton 
voluntarily  became  the  champion  of  the  work.; 

*  It  is  curious  to  remark  on  what  trifling  accidents  the 
destinies  of  men  frequently  depend.  This  was  strikingly  ex- 
emplified in  the  fortunes  of  Warburton.  Pope,  being  one 
day  at  dinner  with  Mr.  Allen,  had  a  letter  put  into  his  hand 
by  one  of  the  footmen.  The  poet,  on  reading  it,  shook  his 
head.  "  What  occasions  your  perplexity?"  said  Allen. 
'  A  Lincolnshire  clergyman,'  said  he,  '  to  whom  I  am  much 
obliged,  writes  me  word  that  he  will  be  with  me  in  a  few 
days,  at  Twickenham.'  "  If  that  be  all,  Mr.  Pope,  request 
him  to  come  to  us  ;  my  carriage  shall  meet  him  at  Chippen- 
ham,  and  bring  him  hither."  Pope  complied  with  the  kind 
request ;  and  the  Lincolnshire  clergyman,  in  consequence 
of  his  visit  to  Prior-Park,  became  Bishop  of  Gloucester, 
the  husband  of  Allen's  niece,  and  an  inheritor  of  a  large 
part  of  his  property  ! — WARNER. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  199 

and  in  the  Monthly  Review  of  that  time,  called 
"  the  Republic  of  Letters,"  published  a  series 
of  essays  in  vindication  of  it ;   which  were  after- 
wards melted  into  an  exposition,  and  given  to 
the  world  in  the  Bishop  of  Gloucester's  edition  of 
Pope's  Works.     This  service  Pope  never  forgot; 
and  repaid  it  first  by  recommending  Warburton 
to  Mr.  Murray,  by  whose   interest  he  became 
preacher  at  Lincoln's   Inn;  and  afterwards   (as 
has  been  before  observed)  to  Mr.  Allen,  who  gave 
him  his  sprightly   niece   in   marriage,  procured 
him  a  mitre,  and  at  length  left  him  an  entailed 
estate  in  Prior- Park.     But  Warburton,  it  should 
seem,  was   not  more   indebted   for   his   success 
with  Mr.  Allen  to  Pope's  recommendation  than 
to  his  own  knowledge  of  the  human  character. 
Delicate  flattery  he  knew  would  be  gratifying 
even  to  the  best  regulated  mind ;   and  therefore 
duly  poured  into  the  ear  of  his  friend  a  just  and 
regular  proportion  of  it.      Sometimes,  indeed, 
he  went  a  little  beyond  the  mark   in  adulation ; 
but  it  was  erring   on   the   right  side ;  a   venial 
fault,  and  easily  forgiven.     "  Doctor,"  said  Mr. 
Allen  to  him  one  day,  when  conversing  on  the 
subject  of  the  Divine  Legation,  "  your  adver- 
saries appear  to  me  to  advance  only  weak  and 
futile  arguments  against   you."      '  Sir,'   replied 
Warburton,  '  you  have  spoken  more  to  the  pur- 
pose in  those  few  words  than  all  the  rascals,  in 
all   their  volumes,    have   written.'      After   Mr. 
Allen's  death,  Warburton    took    possession   of 
Prior-Park,    in   right   of    his  wife ;    and    there 
produced    some    of     those    profound     literary 
labours,  which    will    be   an    ornament   to   the 


200        WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

English  language  and  nation  as  long  as  they 
exist.*  "  He  was  a  man  of  vigorous  faculties; 
a  mind  fervid  and  vehement,  supplied,  by  in- 
cessant and  unlimited  inquiry,  with  wonderful 
extent  and  variefy  of  knowledge,  which  yet  had 
not  oppressed  his  imagination,  nor  clouded  his 
perspicacity.  To  every  work  he  brought  a  me- 
mory full  fraught,  together  with  a  fancy  fertile 
of  original  combinations,  and  at  once  exerted 
the  powers  of  the  scholar,  the  reasoner,  and  the 
wit.  But  his  knowledge  was  too  multifarious  to 
be  always  exact,  and  his  pursuits  too  eager  to  be 
always  cautious.  His  abilities  gave  him  a 
haughty  confidence,  which  he  disdained  to  con- 
ceal or  mollify;  and  his  impatience  of  opposi- 
tion disposed  him  to  treat  his  adversaries 
with  such  contemptuous  superiority,  as  made 
his  readers  commonly  his  enemies,  and  excited 
against  the  advocate  the  wishes  of  some  who  fa- 
voured the  cause.  He  seems  to  have  adopted 
the  Roman  Emperor's  determination,  oderint 
dum  metuant;  he  used  no  allurements  of  gentle 
language,  but  wished  to  compel  rather  than  per- 
suade. His  style  is  copious  without  selection, 
and  forcible  without  neatness;  he  took  the 

*  The  Bishop's  literary  labours  confined  him  a  great  deal  at 
Prior-Park.  After  a  long  absence  from  London,  he  appear- 
ed at  Court,  wht:ii  the  King,  for  the  sake  of  saying  some- 
thing, observed  to  him,  that  he  supposed  he  had  just  left  his 
diocese.  Warburton,  considering  the  speech  as  a  tacit  re- 
buke, replied,  with  point  and  spirit,  "  No,  please  your 
Majesty,  I  am  come  from  Prior- Park,  near  ray  diocese,  but 
not  in  it ;  where  I  have  been  combating  the  enemies  of  that 
faith,  of  which  your  Majesty  is  the  avowed  and  zealous 
Defender." — WARNER. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  201 

words  that  presented  themselves;  his  diction  is 
coarse  and  impure,  and  his  sentences  are  un- 
measured." * 

The  back  part  of  PRioR-PARK-HousE  is 
also  extremely  elegant,  and  ornamented  with  six 
very  lofty  pillars  of  the  Doric  order ;  it  is  sin- 
gular to  remark,  that  the  roof  is  made  of 
stone,  and  also  several  of  the  window-sashes. 
The  prospect  from  every  part  of  this  elegant 
residence  captivates  the  beholder.  On  quitting 
the  house  a  lodge  is  soon  passed,  contiguous  to 
which  are  two  roads,  the  left  leading  to  Trow- 
bridge,  and  the  right  to  Bristol.  Proceeding 
forwards,  the  traveller  arrives  at  a  spot  of 
ground,  upon  which  some  remnants  of  rows  of 
fir-trees  still  remain,  originally  intended,  it  ap- 
pears, as  a  shade  for  persons  in  their  carriages. 
In  the  lime  of  the  worthy  ALLEN,  this  place  was 
a  complete  grove,  and  extended  for  a  long  dis- 
tance ;  but  since  those  generous  days,  and  from 
its  change  of  masters,  profit  and  the  cutting- 
down  system  have  prevailed  over  any  thing  like 
public  accommodation.  In  fact,  PRIOR-PARK- 
HOUSE,  with  all  its  present  contiguous  beauties, 
is  but  a  mere  skeleton,  compared  to  what  it 
originally  was.  At  Isabella-Place,  which  is  but 
a  short  distance  from  this  rural  spot,  one  of  the 
finest  views  for  extensive  scenery  that  can  pos- 
sibly be  imagined  bursts  upon  the  already  de- 
lighted traveller:  the  immense  chain  of  high 
hills,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  stretch,  have  a  grand 
and  majestic  appearance.  On  the  left  is  Salis- 
bury-Plain ;  next  appears  Warminster,  and  the 

*  Dr.  JOHNSON. 


202  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

White  Horse  cut  out  of  the  turf  at  Westbury 
under  the  plain,  in  Wiltshire,  is  seen  without 
any  difficulty.     In  the  centre  stands  the  unri- 
valled seat  of  the  Marquis  of  Bath,  called  Long- 
leat,  the  fine   park  and  woody  appearance  of 
which  tends  to  increase  the  beauty  of  the  sur- 
rounding prospect ;  and  the  perspective  view  of 
Alfred's  tower,  erected  on  the  abrupt  termination 
of  a  very  lofty  hill,  belonging  to  Sir  Richard 
Colt,  Bart,  gives   an  interesting  finish   to   this 
charming  expanse  of  country.     When  the  fasci- 
nated spectator  can  remove  from  this  brilliant 
panoramic   spectacle,    he   will  pass    Prospect- 
Place,  a  very  neat  row  of  houses,  and  which 
very  properly  merits  its  title.  Byfield-  Buildings 
is  also  as  pleasantly  situated,   and  a  few  paces 
forwards  the  visitor,  if  inclination  permit   him, 
may  descend  into  the  stone-quarries  at  Combe- 
Down,  opened  and  worked  by  Mr.  Allen.    This 
sudden  contrast  is  extremely  pleasing :  the  vast 
depth  of  freestone  which  has  been  excavated 
from  the  earth ;  the  lofty  arches,   or  pillars,   re- 
maining in  a  craggy  state,  left  by  the  excavators 
to  let  in  light  to  the  subterraneous  passages  and 
caverns  which  extend  for   a  considerable  way 
under  the  earth,  most  interestingly  claim  the  at- 
tention of  the  explorer.     The   appearance  al- 
together has   an  effect  difficult  to  convey  to  the 
reader  any  thing  like  an  adequate  representation : 
several  men  are  employed  in    breaking-up   the 
freestone    into  different    sizes,    and    which,    it 
seems,  yields  with  much  placency  to  the  tools  used 
upon  it ;  and  carriages  and  horses  are  also  seen 
among  the  openings,  loading  for  the  buildings  of 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

Bath.*  From  its  yellow  appearance,  it  has  a 
very  clean  and  pleasing  look.  On  regaining  the 
daylight  by  a  short  circuit  into  the  road,  to- 
wards returning  to  Bath,  a  small  enclosed  spot 
is  passed,  which  is  used  as  a  bury  ing-ground 
for  the  Jews.  Several  shafts  are  seen  in  the 
fields,  raised  about  three  feet  from  the  ground, 
to  let  light  into  different  parts  of  the  quarry, 
to  give  facility  to  the  excavators  in  proceeding 
with  their  work.  The  prospect  continues  en- 
chanting at  every  step,  and  in  a  small  quarry, 
in  repassing  the  grounds  of  PRIOR-PARK,  some 

*  The  Great  Oolite  is  about  130  feet  thick.  This  curious 
and  valuable  stone  is  composed  of  exceedingly  small  globular 
shells,  either  simply  aggregated,  or  not  very  firmly  cemented 
together,  The  ease  with  which  it  is  cut  occasions  its  appel- 
lation of  freestone;  and  this  quality,  with  its  beautiful  soft 
colour,  renders  it  in  great  request  for  building.  It  is  depo- 
sited in  thick  beds,  and  separated  into  vast  blocks  by  vertical 
fissures;  the  sides  of  which  are  frequently  embossed  by  the 
most  delicate  stalactites,  and  beautiful  spars  of  diversified 
crystallization.  The  blocks  are  sawn,  and  worked  at  the 
quarries  into  masses,  called  AshUr,  of  any  required  dimen- 
sions, and  sold  by  the  foot.  The  durability  of  the  material 
having  been  sufficiently  proved  by  the  experience  of  ages, 
the  demand  for  it  is  rapidly  increasing:  and  as  the  utmost 
facility  is  now  likely  to  be  given  for  its  exportation  to  all 
quarters  by  canal  conveyance,  it  is  probable,  that  in  a  cen- 
tury more  the  greater  part  of  our  surrounding  hills  will  be 
converted  into  one  wide  quarry.  The  Bath  oolite  is  now 
in  use  for  the  sumptuous  improvements  of  Henry  Vllth's 
Chapel  at  the  east  end  of  Westminster-Abbey.  This  stone 
effervesces  very  rapidly  with  muriatic  acid ;  affording  a  faint 
odour  like  spermaceti,  and  'scarcely  leaving  any  residuum  ; 
upon  the  addition  of  prussiate  of  potash,  a  bluish  white 
precipitate  is  thrown  down.  Its  fossils  are  the  nautilus ; 
pinna  marina  and  ostrea,  both  very  large ;  and  the  pecten. 
It  is  applied  to  building,  and  every  description  of  free- 
Hi  asonry . — W  A  R  N  E  R  . 


204  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

of  the  pieces  of  the  stone  measure  12|  feet  long, 
by  3  feet  10  wide;  on  the  left  of  which,  at  no 
great  distance  from  the  road,  is  a  curious  trian- 
gular building  of  freestone,  in  the  Gothic  style, 
erected  by  the  late  Mr.  ALLEN,  and  used  in  his 
time  as  a  look-out,  which  commands  a  fine  view 
of  the  City  and  the  adjacent  country,  and  well 
worthy  of  inspection.  It  has  the  following  in- 
scription:— 

Memoriae  optimi  viri,  RADUJLPHI  ALLEN,  positum, 
Qui  virtutem  verarn  simplicernquecolis,  venerarc  hoc  saxum. 

Claverton-Down,  which  is  400  feet  above  the 
City  of  Bath,  and  so  distinguished  for  its  beau- 
tiful extensive  level  velvet  turf,  is  soon  gained. 
The  views  towards  the  north,  south,  and  west, 
are  peculiarly  interesting.  The  Bath  Races  were 
formerly  held  here ;  and  it  is  a  most  delightful 
situation.  The  shell  of  an  antique  castle,  which 
appears  to  face  every  part  of  the  City,  and  which 
is  a  conspicuous  feature  for  some  miles,  was 
erected  on  this  Down  also  by  Mr.  Allen.  Near 
to  this  spot,  about  thirty  years  ago,  a  duel  was 
fought  by  two  Frenchmen  of  rank,  who  quar- 
relled during  the  season  at  Bath,  when  one  of 
them  was  killed.  This  circumstance  occasioned 
considerable  noise  at  the  time.  Continuing  the 
walk  across  the  Downs,  a  turnpike  appears  with 
three  different  roads  connected  with  it.  The 
left  leads  to  Trowbridge ;  the  right  to  Wells ; 
and  the  direct  line  to  Bradford.  The  high 
elm-trees,  and  the  ivy  growing  over  the  stone 
walls  on  each  side  of  the  road,  which  continues 
for  some  distance,  pleases  the  eye  more  than 
can  be  described.  On  the  left  of  which  is  the 
sign  of  the  Crown-Inn,  but  more  generally 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  205 

known  to  the  inhabitants  of  Bath  as  the  "  Brass- 
Knocker ;"  which,   rather  singular  to  observe, 
derives  its  designation  from  having  the  above 
appendage   attached  to  the   inn-door.     Nearly 
opposite  to  which  is  Coombe-Grove,  the  mansion 
of  the  late  William  Vaughan,  Esq.   The  "  Brass- 
Knocker'  is  not  only  important  from  affording 
refreshment  during  this  long  walk  to  the  travel- 
Jer,   but  it  also  operates  as  a  guide  to  him,   in 
leading  to  a  curiosity,  which  is  highly  deserving 
of  notice,  namely,  THE  AQUEDUCT,  which 
unites   the   Kennet  and  Avon   Canal  with   the 
Grand  Junction.      Here   are   two   small    stone 
bridges  across  the  Somerset  Coal  Canal,  which, 
it  appears,  has  been  reduced  in  size,  on  purpose 
to  admit  only  the  long  narrow  coal-barges  from 
Tymsbury  and   Comerton.     The  view  of   the 
AQUEDUCT  is  noble  and  interesting;  and  con- 
nected with  the  other  bridges,    the  river,  and 
canals,  gives  an  attractive  effect  to  this  part  of 
the  country.     It  has  three  arches ;  the  middle 
one  is  wide  and   lofty,   40  feet  at  least  from  the 
water  which  it  stands  over.     The  dimensions  of 
the  other  two  arc  much  less.     It  is  built  of  free- 
stone, and  is  viewed  as  a  fine  piece  of  Grecian 
architecture.     The  traveller  is  now  five  miles 
from  Bath,  but  the  walk  between  the  Canal  and 
the   Avon   is   so   delightfully    intersected    with 
pleasing  objects,  occupying  the  mind  so  com- 
pletely,   that  any   thoughts   about   distance   is 
quite  forgotten.     Some  cottages  on  a  high  hill, 
at   a  place   called    Konkwell,   produce  a  very 
pleasing  effect.     Upon  an  eminence,  at  a  small 
distance,  stands  the  Village  of  Claverton.     This 
little  hamlet  is  important  to  the  visitor  in  several 


206  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

points  of  view :  Clover  ton-House  is  a  prominent 
feature  to  notice,  from  its  fine  specimen  of  archi- 
tecture adopted  in  the  reign  of  James  I.  It  has 
an  ascent  of  thirty  steps,  and  is  contiguous  to 
the  CHURCH.  The  latter  place  is  a  small  Go- 
thic building,  but  conspicuous  principally  from 
being  the  rectory  of  the  late  Mr.  GRAVES,  the 
author  of  the  Spiritual  Quixote,  and  several  other 
publications  of  great  merit.  The  above  Rev. 
gentleman  held  this  rectory  for  the  long  period 
of  60  years,  and  died  in  1807,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  90  years.  He  was  a  man  of  great  bene- 
volence ;  and  through  a  very  long  life  pre- 
served a  spotless  character. 

Can  storied  urn,  or  animated  bust, 

Back  to  its  mansions  call  the  fleeting  breath  ? 

Can  honour's  voice  provoke  the  silent  dust, 
Or  flatt'ry  soothe  the  dull  cold  ear  of  death? 

The  CHURCHYARD  is  also  worthy  of  a  visit, 
to  view  the  family-vault,  which  contains  the  re- 
mains of  a  man  so  justly  dear  to  the  people  of 
Bath.  It  is  built  of  freestone,  in  the  form  of  a 
handsome  square,  with  a  mausoleum  over  it. 
It  has  also  three  semicircular  arches  in  each  of 
the  sides,  and  a  pyramidal  roof.  Upon  a  free- 
stone table  monument,  within  the  structure,  is 
the  following  inscription : 

On  the  north  : — "  Beneath  this  monument  lieth  entombed 
the  body  of  RALPH  ALLEN,  Esq.  of  Prior-Park,  who 
departed  this  life  the  29th  of  June,  1764,  in  the  71st  year 
of  his  age ;  in  full  hopes  of  everlasting  happiness  in  another 
state,  through  the  infinite  mercy  and  mediation  of  our  blessed 
Redeemer  Jesus  Christ.  And  of  ELIZABETH  HOLDER, 
his  second  wife,  who  died  September  20th,  1766,  aged  68." 

At  the  Eastern  end : — "  Near  this  place  lie  the  remains  of 
RALPH  ALLEN  WARBURTON,  the  only  son  of  Wil- 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  207 

liam  Warburton,  Lord  Bishop  of  Gloucester,  and  Gertrude 
his  wife,  who  died  July  28th,  1775,  aged  19  years.  He  was 
a  youth  eminently  distinguished  for  goodness  of  heart,  ele- 
gance of  manners,  and  gracefulness  of  person.  How  tran- 
sient are  human  endowments !  How  vain  are  human  hopes! 
Reader,  prepare  for  eternity  !" 

On  the  South  side  :—"  In  this  vault  are  deposited  the  re- 
mains of  GERTRUDE,  wife  of  the  Rev.  M.  Stafford  Smith, 
of  Prior-Park,  relict  of  William  Warburton,  Lord  Bishop  of 
Gloucester,  and  niece  to  the  late  Ralph  Allen,  Esq.  She 
died  September  1st,  1796,  aged  66  years.  She  was  a  firm 
and  devout  Christian;  with  a  fine  natural  and  highly-cul- 
tivated understanding ;  and  a  frank,  generous,  good  heart." 

About  half  a  mile  on  the  right  of  the  canal  is 
the  very  elegant  mansion  of  Mr.  Skryne,  built 
in  the  Gothic  style.  The  clean,  light  appear- 
ance of  the  freestone  forms  an  excellent  con- 
trast to  the  fine  trees  contiguous  to  the  house  ; 
and  several  sheepfolds  also  add  to  the  pictu- 
resque scenery  with  which  this  situation  abounds. 
On  the  banks  of  the  river  there  is  a  large  iron- 
pipe,  which  conveys  the  water  from  the  Avon 
into  the  Canal,  from  the  force  of  a  machine  when 
deemed  necessary.  Proceeding  some  distance 
down  the  river,  on  the  left  side  of  which  an 
iron  rail-way,  from  an  immense  steep  height,  is 
to  be  seen.  It  is  curious  to  observe  the  iron 
carriages  sent  up  and  down  without  horses  ;  and 
by  the  aid  of  machinery  the  vehicles  change  their 
positions  midway,  the  full  one  running  down  to 
the  barge  in  the  canal,  and  the  empty  one  mak- 
ing its  way  to  the  top  again  to  receive  its  load. 

Bath-Hampton  Church  soon  appears  after 
quitting  the  rail-way  ;  the  tower  of  which  is 
covered  all  over  with  ivy.  It  reminds  the  spec- 
tator of  "  Gray's  Elegy."  The  Churchyard  has 
to  boast  of  some  excellent  monuments,  and  is  also 


208  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

very  full ;  among  which  is  the  tombstone,  near  to 
the  road  on  the  right,  belonging  to  the  French 
gentleman  alluded  to  in  page  229,  containing 
the  following  unvarnished  inscription  :  — - 

Here  rests  the  remains  of 

JOHN  BAPTISTE  Viscount  Du  Barry, 

Obiit  18  Nov.  1778. 

The  Village  of  Bath-Hampton,  small,  but 
neat,  appears  in  sight.  Proceeding  forwards, 
"  BAILBROOK  -  LODGE''  is  perceived,  delight- 
fully situated  upon  a  very  lofty  and  command- 
ing eminence ;  it  is  a  most  extensive  and  elegant 
mansion.  The  above  institution  is  rather  of  a 
nouvelle  description  in  this  country,  resembling 
the  German  Chapitres.  It  was  established  un- 
der the  auspices  of  Lady  King,  about  three  years 
since,  principally  for  decayed  females,  and  also 
offering  a  desirable  residence  to  ladies  of  very 
limited  incomes ;  but  it  is  maintained  by  the 
joint-contributions  of  the  ladies  residing  at 
BAILBROOK-LODGE,  without  deriving  any  an- 
nual support  from  public  endowment.  It  has  a 
Lady  President,  merely  to  promote  harmony  and 
good-order;  as  the  inmates  are  all  upon  an 
equality.  There  is  no  limitation  to  age.  The 
widows  and  daughters  of  clergymen,  and  of  the 
officers  of  the  Army  and  Navy,  have  an  ac- 
knowledged preference  over  all  other  candidates ; 
but  none  are  admitted  who  cannot  comply  with 
the  forms  of  a  retired  life,  or  who  do  not  cheer- 
fully assist  in  promoting  benevolence  and  cha- 
rity. It  has  to  boast  of  the  high  patronage  of 
several  Duchesses,  Marchionesses,  Countesses, 
&c.  by  which  means  embarrassment  is  pre- 
vented :  her  late  Majesty  was  one  of  its  greatest 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  209 

patrons,  and  during  her  residence  at  Bath  vi- 
sited BAILBROOK-LODGE.  It  seems  the  Queen 
highly  praised  the  mode  with  which  this  institu- 
tion was  conducted ;  and,  united  with  the  Prin- 
cesses, contributed  largely  towards  the  fund, 
which  is  now  placed  at  interest  in  the  names  of 
the  following  Trustees : — The  Earl  of  Shaftes- 
bury,  Earl  Manvers,  the  Hon.  Geo.  Vernon,  and 
Sir  B.  Hobhouse,  Bart. — It  has  also  the  patro- 
nage of  the  Lord  Bishops  of  Durham,  St. 
David's,  and  Meath  ;  and  the  Earl  of  Sheffield. 
On  making  towards  home,  part  of  Bath  soon 
appears  in  sight  from  the  houses  on  Bacon-Hill. 
New  objects  attract  almost  at  every  step  the 
traveller  proceeds.  Along  the  banks  of  the  Canal 
a  new  range  of  small  neat  residences  are  nearly 
finished  ;  near  to  which  are  the  swimming  baths. 
In  turning  to  the  right  of  the  Canal,  Sidney- 
Place  is  soon  gained,  when  the  traveller  will 
no  doubt  feel  rather  fatigued  from  this  long,  but 
truly  interesting  walk,  upon  his  safe  return  to 
Great  Pulteney- Street. 


210  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH, 


WALK  X 


From  the  CIRCUS  through  Bennet-Street,  Russet-Street, 
Belmont  and  Oxford  Row,  Montpelier  -  Row. 
(CHRIST  CHURCH,)  Belvidere-Place,  Lansdorm- 
Street,  Lansdown- Grove,  Spencer's  Belle  Vue, 
Springfield-Place,  Richmond-House,  Grove-Place, 
Lansdown  -  Square,  America  -  Buildings.  To  tJie 
Race  -  Ground  and  GRAND  STAND.  Lansdown 
Fair.  MONUMENT  on  Lansdown- Hill.  Prospect- 
Style.  The  Rocks  at  WICK.  Return  to  BATH. 


UPON  quitting  that  tine  architectural  pile  of 
buildings,  the  CIRCUS,  the  visitor  soon  passes 
through  Bennet-Street,  leaving  the  NEW  AS- 
SEMBLY ROOMS  on  his  right.  Russel-Street  is 
also  passed  on  the  left.  Directly  opposite  Ben- 
net-Street stand  those  elegant  range  of  houses, 
designated  by  the  name  of  Belmont  and  Oxford 
Row ;  and,  at  the  extremity  of  the  latter  place, 
011  the  left,  is  Montpelier- Row,  in  which  is 
situated  Christ  Church,  built  after  the  modern 
Gothic  style,  upon  a  piece  of  land  presented  by 
the  Right  Hon.  Lord  Rivers.  It  is  a  very  neat 
building,  and  was  erected  by  subscription  ;  for 
the  very  praiseworthy  purpose  of  providing  a 
place  where  the  poor  might  hear  the  word  of 
God  preached  unto  them ;  and  in  order  to  ren- 
der this  desirable  circumstance  effectual,  the 
area  is  left  unenclosed  and  open  to  all  fre- 
quenters. The  galleries  only  are  let  out ;  the 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  211 

produce  of  which  are  applied  to  the  support  of 
the  establishment.  Proceeding  forwards  to  Bel- 
videre-Place,  every  step  becomes  interesting 
to  the  spectator  as  he  passes  through  Lans- 
down-Street,  Lansdown-Grovc,  Spencer's  Belle 
Vue,  Springfield  -  Place,  Richmond  -  House, 
Grove-Place,  fyc.  At  some  little  distance  on 
the  left  is  seen  Lansdown- Square ;  and  upon 
the  right  is  America  -  Buildings  and  Hooper- 
Street.  In  ascending  the  hill,  if  the  spectator 
turns  round,  a  most  delightful  view  of  Bathford, 
Lambridge,  &c.  presents  itself.  A  little  beyond 
the  first  mile-stone,  on  the  right,  stands  a  small 
public-house,  known  by  the  sign  of  the  Hare 
and  Hounds  ;  and  about  a  mile  from  this  place 
the  road  becomes  level  ground,  walled  in  on 
both  sides  with  stones  piled  on  each  other,  but 
not  fastened  together  by  any  mortar.  The 
prospect  is  now  extensive,  and  a  fine  range  of 
hills  appear  on  the  left.  The  Race-Ground  is 
soon  discovered  from  a  very  mean  and  con- 
temptible erection,  denominated  the  "  GRAND 
STAND;"  which  is  nothing  more  than  an  empty 
shed,  thatched  over,  and  the  ascent  to  which  is 
by  a  temporary  staircase.  Such  a  receptacle  for 
accommodating  the  beauty  and  fashion  of  So- 
merset, does  but  ill  accord  with  the  princely 
mansions  in  the  City  of  Bath.  The  races  have 
been  revived  within  the  last  five  years,  and  are 
generally  held  upon  the  8th  and  9th  of  July; 
but  they  are  not  in  much  estimation  in  the  sport- 
ing world.  A  board  here  also  informs  those 
whom  it  may  concern,  "  that  prosecutions  will 
be  instituted  against  those  persons  found  bad- 
ger-baiting, pricking  in  the  garter,  or  practising 

P2 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

any  other  nefarious  games."  Persons  are  also 
cautioned  against  the  danger  of  mounting  the 
walls,  as  several  people  have  been  dreadfully 
bruised,  and  others  lost  their  lives  from  the 
stones  giving  way.  At  no  great  distance  from 
the  Race-Ground  stands  the  Blathwaytc  Arms, 
close  to  which  the  Fair  at  Lansdown  is  held  an- 
nually on  the  10th  of  August.  It  is  a  very  large 
fair,  and  distinguished  for  the  sale  of  horses, 
and  large  quantities  of  cheese:  great  numbers 
of  cattle  and  pigs  are  also  brought  here.  It 
is  a  most  convenient  spot  for  the  numerous  as- 
semblage of  persons  that  arrive  from  Bristol, 
Gloucestershire,  Wiltshire,  &c.  and  it  proves 
quite  a  jubilee-day  for  the  country  people  to 
enjoy  the  fun  with  which  it  abounds.  The 
gingerbread  -  stalls  form  a  long  street ;  and 
numerous  shows  from  different  parts  of  England, 
of  every  description,  to  obtain  the  money  from 
the  pockets  of  the  lads  and  lasses,  are  not  want- 
ing. Lansdown  Fair  is  also  notorious  for  a 
number  of  pitched  battles  which  are  fought  by 
the  pugilistic  heroes  of  Bristol.  On  the  Downs, 
at  the  third  mile-stone,  there  is  a  fine  view  of  a 
valley  and  hills  on  the  right ;  and  in  front  of  the 
traveller,  the  LANSDOWN  PILLAR  now  ap- 
pears conspicuous.  The  walk  for  the  next  half- 
mile  is  as  fertile  in  scenery  as  the  most  lively 
imagination  can  suggest ;  and  this  part  of  So- 
mersetshire has  been  often  compared  to  some 
of  the  picturesque  and  enchanting  prospects  in 
Switzerland.  These  Downs  have  often  been  the 
theme  of  celebrated  painters;  and  among  whom, 
it  is  said,  not  the  least  animated  in  their  praise, 
is  the  venerable  President  of  the  Royal  Acade- 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  213 

my.  The  Bath  cream-cheese ',  an  article  of  such 
high  epicurean  taste,  is  produced  by  the  dairies 
furnished  from  these  luxuriant  pastures.  The 
traveller  at  length  arrives  at  the  PlLLAR,  which 
stands  at  a  short  distance  from  the  main  road. 
It  is  built  of  freestone ;  but,  as  a  piece  of  ar- 
chitecture, it  has  nothing  at  the  present  period 
about  it  to  command  any  particular  interest ; 
and  the  efforts  of  time  have  also  committed  some 
ravages  upon  its  beauty.  This  spot,  it  appears, 
was  rendered  famous  in  history,  from  a  battle 
fought  here  in  1643,  between  the  King's  and 
the  parliamentary  forces,  on  the  5th  of  July. 
The  royal  side  was  commanded  by  the  Marquis 
of  Hertford,  but  the  Kind's  horse  was  so  sha- 
ken, that  out  of  2000  which  came  into  action,  not 
above  600  survived  the  havoc  of  the  battle ;  but 
the  Parliamentary  General,  Sir  William  Waller, 
was  ultimately  compelled  to  quit  his  post,  and 
to  take  refuge  in  Bath,  from  the  spirited  con- 
duct of  the  Marquis.  The  above  monument 
was  erected  by  GEORGE  LORD  LANSDOWN  in 
1720,  to  commemorate  his  ancestor  SIR  BEVIL 
GRANVILLE,  who  fell  in  this  desperate  engage- 
ment. The  east  and  west  sides  of  the  monu- 
ment are  sculptred  with  warlike  trophies,  the 
Royal  arms,  and  those  of  the  Granvilles.  The 
crest  of  the  Granvilles  surmounts  the  whole. 
On  the  shaft  of  the  columns  is  the  following  in- 
scription ;  and  the  subjoined  account  of  the  en- 
gagement, from  Clarendon's  History  of  the 
Rebellion,  is  engraven  on  the  south  side  of  the 
pedestal  :  — 

To  the   immortal  memory  of  his   renowned  Grandfather 
and  valiant  Cornish  Friends,  who  conquered,  dying  in 


214  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

the  Royal  Cause,  July  5th,  1643,  this  Column  was  de- 
dicated by  the  Hon.  GEORGE  GRANVILLE,  Lord 
LANS  DOWN,  1780. — Dulce  est  pro  putrid  mori. 

'«  In  this  battle,  on  the  King's  part,  were  more  officers  and 
gentlemen  of  quality  slain  than  private  men ;  but  that  which 
would  have  clouded  any  victory,  and  made  the  loss  of  others 
less  spoken  of,  was  the  death  of  Sir  BEVIL  GRANVJLLE. 
He  was  indeed  an  excellent  person,  whose  activity,  interest, 
and  reputation,  were  the  foundation  of  what  had  been  done 
in  Cornwall ;  and  his  temper  and  affection  so  public,  that  no 
accident  which  happened  could  make  any  impression  on  him, 
and  his  example  kept  others  from  taking  any  thing  ill,  or  at  least 
seeming  to  do  so  :  in  a  word,  a  brighter  courage  and  a  gentler 
disposition  were  never  married  together,  to  make  the  most 
cheerful  and  innocent  conversation." — CLARENDON. 

On  the  north  are  the  following  lines  written 
in  the  year  1643,  by  William  Cartwright: — 

<f  When  now  the  incens'd  rebels  proudly  came 

Down  like  a  torrent,  without  bark  or  dam ; 

When  undeserv'd  success  urg'd  on  their  force, 

That  thunder  must  come  down  to  stop  their  course, 

Or  Granville  must  step  in  ;  then  Granville  stood, 

And  with  himself  oppos'd  and  check'd  the  flood; 

Conquest  or  death  was  all  his  thoughts,  so  fire 

Either  o'ercomes,  or  does  itself  expire. 

His  courage  work'd  like  flames,  cast  heat  about, 

Here,  there,  on  this,  on  that  side,  none  gave  out. 

Not  any  pike  in  that  renowned  stand, 

But  took  new  force  from  his  inspiring  hand, 

Soldier  encourag'd  soldier,  man  urg'd  man, 

And  he  urg'd  all ;  so  far  example  can. 

Hurt  upon  hurt,  wound  upon  wound  did  fall| 

He  was  the  butt,  the  mark,  the  aim  of  all. 

His  soul  this  while  retired  from  cell  to  cell, 

At  last  flew  up  from  all,  and  then  he  fell ; 

But  the  devoted  stand,  enrag'd  the  more 

From  that  his  fate,  plied  hotter  than  before. 

And,  proud  to  fall  with  him,  swore  not  to  yield, 

Each  sought  an  honour'd  grave,  and  gain'd  the  field. 


WALKS  THKOUGH  BATH.  215 

Thus,  being  fall'n,  his  actions  fought  anew, 
And  the  dead  conquer'd  whilst  the  living  flew." 

WILLIAM  CABTWRIOHT. 

On  the  same  side  are  the  following  lines  by 
Martin  Llewellen. 

"  Thus  slain,  thy  valiant  ancestor  did  lie, 
When  his  owii  bark  a  navy  did  defy. 
When  now  enconipass'd  round,  the  victor  stood, 
And  bath'd  his  pinnace  in  his  conqu'ring  blood, 
Till  all  his  purple  current,  dried  and  spent, 
He  fell  and  made  the  waves  his  monument, 
Where  shall  the  next  fam'd  Granville's  ashes  stand? 
Thy  grandsire*  fills  the  seas,  and  thou  the  land." 

MARTIN  LLEWELLEN. 

At  this  spot  the  spectator  is  well  repaid  for 
his  curiosity.  He  is  lost,  as  it  were,  with  the 
vast  expanse  before  him  ;  and  however  strong  and 
elegant  language  may  be  applied  towards  com- 
municating its  brilliant  and  sublime  effect, 
description  is  totally  inadequate  to  convey  any 
thing  like  the  reality  of  the  scene.  Through  a 
field  or  two  on  the  left,  which  is  easily  ascer- 
tained, the  traveller  will  gain  what  is  denomi- 
nated "  PROSPECT  STYLE  ;"  so  termed  from 
the  completeness  of  the  view  which  it  affords. 
The  Avon  in  all  its  windings,  with  the  cities  of 
Bristol  and  Bath,  are  immediately  recognised  ; 
the  junction  of  the  Severn  with  the  Avon  is  also 
distinctly  traced ;  and  the  fine  Monmouthshire 
hills  increase  the  effect.  The  scenery  all  around 
is  bold  as  well  as  picturesque  ;  and  although  at 
the  distance  of  forty  miles  from  Lansdown,  the 
Bloreuch  and  Sugar  Loaf  mountains  are  accu- 
rately distinguished.  The  perspective  is  en- 

•  Sir  Richard  Granville. 


216  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

chanting,  and  the  local  view  likewise  is  inte- 
resting. Here  and  there  a  gentleman's  seat  is 
seen  in  the  valley — the  little  spire  of  a  country 
church — farm-houses  and  cottages — the  fertile 
ground  all  around — the  charming  foliage  of  the 
trees — the  extent  of  hedges  dividing  the  various 
lands,  the  sheep  feeding,  &c.  furnishing  a  most 
admirable  landscape  for  the  exquisite  talents  of 
a  POUSSIN.  The  herbage  on  these  Downs  is 
considered  the  most  nutritive  in  the  West  of 
England  for  fattening  of  sheep;  and  those 
fed  upon  the  adjacent  hills  hold  no  comparison 
with  the  numbers  which  are  reared  on  Lansdown. 

Th'  unbusied  shepherd,  stretch'd  beneath  the  hawthorn, 
His  careless  limbs  thrown  out  iu  wanton  ease, 
With  thoughtless  gaze  perusing  the  arch'd  heavens, 
And  idly  whistling  while  his  sheep  feed  round  him, 
Enjoys  a  sweeter  shade  than  that  of  canopies 
Hemm'd  in  by  cares,  and  shook  by  storms  of  treason. 

If  the  traveller  wishes  to  extend  his  excursion 
to  WICK  he  will  be  amply  repaid  for  his  exer- 
tion. He  must  now  make  forwards  again  to  the 
PILLAR,  and  be  particular  in  taking  the  road 
which  leads  to  the  left.  The  country  all  around 
him  still  continues  worthy  of  his  attention,  and 
he  will  pass  Ashton-Lodge  on  his  right.  On 
arriving  at  WICK,  which  is  a  small  village,  con- 
taining only  a  few  straggling  houses,  the  Crown 
Inn,  kept  by  Mr.  Gulley,*  affords  a  nice  oppor- 
tunity for  refreshment  to  the  visitor,  before  he 
commences  his  examination  of  the  rocks.  On 
the  right,  directly  opposite  to  the  above  Inn, 
you  pass  through  a  gate,  and,  inclining  a  short 

*  Father  of  the  once  celebrated  pugilist  of  that  name  ; 
but  who  is  now  a  distinguished  sportsman  on  the  turf. 


WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.  217 

distance  to  the  left,  over  a  small  stone  bridge, 
you  enter  the  romantic  scenery  of  Wick,  which 
is  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  in  length.  It 
appears  like  a  wilderness  ;  the  high  trees,  the 
beauty  of  their  foliage  descending  into  a  sort  of 
rivulet,  and  the  rugged  appearance  of  the  Glen 
altogether,  tend  to  make  a  pleasing  sensation  on 
the  mind  of  the  spectator.  Here  are  also  some 
iron  works  situated  in  this  recess,  well  worthy 
the  investigation  of  the  traveller ;  but,  without 
permission,  no  admittance  to  view  them  is 
granted.  A  style,  on  the  left  of  the  above 
works,  presents  itself,  when,  after  ascending  a 
hill,  at  a  little  distance,  the  traveller  enters  upon 
the  rocks  with  all  their  majestic  appearance  ; 
the  loftiest  parts  of  which  exceed  200  feet  in 
height.  It  is  true,  they  fall  very  short  by  com- 
parison to  those  of  St.  Vincent,  near  Clifton  ; 
but  nevertheless  they  must  be  viewed  as  a  great 
natural  curiosity.  In  some  places,  the  Glen  is 
extremely  craggy,  and  to  persons  of  a  timid  dis- 
position may  appear  rather  awkward,  if  not 
dangerous  to  get  along ;  but  when  once  they  are 
explored  to  the  end,  the  prospect  upon  the 
water  is  delightful,  interesting,  stupendous,  and 
grand,  which  is  seen  foaming  over  rugged  masses 
of  stone,  from  a  most  impetuous  current,  which 
ultimately  falls  into  the  Avon.  The  above  Glen, 
within  the  last  few  years,  has  lost  much  of  its 
romantic  interest,  from  the  introduction  of  se- 
veral manufactories,  in  consequence  of  buying 
up  the  water  to  serve  those  purposes;  since  which, 
in  the  course  of  two  miles,  it  now  works  no  less 
than  six  mills,  consisting  of  a  paper,  a  cotton,  an 
iron,  a  rolling,  a  slitting,  and  two  grist  mills. 


218  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH. 

Persons  visiting  either  Bath  or  Bristol  ought 
not  to  omit  viewing  the  rocks  at  Wick,  if  they 
possess  in  the  slightest  degree  any  taste  for  geo- 
logy, painting,  or  romantic  natural  scenery, 
which  the  whole  of  this  spot  exhibits  in  so  pro- 
minent a  point  of  view.  In  fact,  WICK  is 
but  half  way  from  either  of  the  above  Cities. 
Returning  to  Bath  the  look-out  all  around  the 
traveller  upon  Lansdown-hill  is  so  extensive, 
diversified,  and  powerful,  that  any  thing  like 
monotony  is  out  of  the  question ;  and  the  com- 
monest or  most  indifferent  spectator  in  the 
world  cannot  pass  and  repass  it,  without  re- 
flecting upon  the  pleasure  he  has  derived  in  con- 
templating the  beauties  of  nature  and  the  sub- 
limity of  the  works  of  the  creation. 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE.  219 


WALK  (or  RIDE)  XI. 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE  ;  ITS  FINE  COLLEC- 
TION OF  PAINTINGS,  PARK,  &c. 

From  Grosvenor- Place,  on  the  London-Road,  to  Bath 
Easton.  Through  the  Villages  of  Box  and  Pick- 
wick to  Corsham. 


Dost  thou  love  Pictures  ?  we  will  fetch  thee  straight 

ADONIS,  painted  by  a  running  brook  j 

And  CITHEREA  all  in  sedges  hid, 

Which  seem  to  move,  and  wanton  with  her  breath, 

Ev'n  as  the  waving  sedges  play  with  wind. 

THE  FINE  ARTS  in  England  have  made  such 
rapid  strides  towards  perfection  within  the  last 
fifty-one  years,  under  the  immediate  patronage 
of  his  present  Majesty,  GEORGE  III.  and  the 
Annual  Exhibitions  of  the  English  Artists,  at  the 
ROYAL  ACADEMY,  have  tended  not  only  to  ex- 
cite the  highest  praise  and  admiration  from 
among  the  most  critical  judges  of  the  talents  of 
the  pencil,  but  also  to  create,  generally,  a  taste 
for  Paintings  among  the  various  classes  of  so- 
ciety, that  it  is  fairly  to  be  presumed,  however 
attractive  and  fascinating  the  numerous  amuse- 
ments of  BATH  may  prove  to  its  fashionable 
visitors,  ONE  DAY,  at  least,  will  be  set  apart, 
even  with  rapturous  anticipation,  to  view  COR- 
SHAM-HOUSE, and  its  justly  celebrated  fine 
collection  of  pictures ;  indeed,  it  would  almost 


220  VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE. 

be  pronounced  a  libel  upon  any  lover  of  the 
FINE  ARTS,  short  as  his  residence  might  be  at 
Bath,  to  omit  viewing  this  grand  collection  of 
the  OLD  MASTERS,  which  are  to  be  seen  in 
the  highest  state  of  preservation,  through  the 
liberality  of  their  owner,  every  Tuesday  and 
Friday,  between  the  hours  of  ten  and  four,  and 
that  at  the  distance  of  only  nine  miles  and  three- 
quarters  from  the  above  City. 

On  quitting  Bath  and  ascending  the  hill,  upon 
the  London- Road,  the  appearance  of  the  coun- 
try all  around  is  delightful.  The  traveller  soon 
arrives  at  the  clean  little  town  of  Bath  Easton, 
(2  111.)  The  pretty  village  of  Box  (5  m.) 
is  the  next  place,  but  which  can  never  be 
passed  through  indifferently  by  any  spectator. 
The  road,  in  continuance  to  Pickwick,  is  every 
where  interesting ;  and  the  eye  is  completely 
occupied  with  a  variety  of  pleasing  distant  sub- 
jects, such  as  churches,  gentlemen's  seats,  &c. 
Upon  ascending  a  long  and  steep  hill,  (Hasel- 
bury,)  and  turning  to  the  right  to  gain  the  above 
place,  the  road  is  level,  enclosed  on  each  side 
with  stone  walls,  and  the  locality  of  scenery  is 
pleasing ;  but  the  view  of  the  immense  hills  and 
the  perspective  prospect  is  truly  grand.  The 
White  Swan,  at  Pickwick,  (nine  miles,  if  refresh- 
ment is  thought  necessary,)  will  be  found,  upon 
its  entrance,  completely  to  accord  with  the 
style  of  those  rustic  sketches,  so  much  admired 
and  made  by  the  late  GEORGE  MOREL  AND.  The 
stone  kitchen,  large  fireside,  bacon-rack,  copper 
saucepans  hanging  up,  (which  from  their  bright- 
ness might  almost  serve  for  looking-glasses,)  an  an- 
tique clock,  the  friendly  box  round  the  fire,  &c. 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE.  221 

The  customers  corresponding;  being  princi- 
pally men  employed  in  agriculture;  their  ap- 
pearance unfashioned  by  form  and  art,  and  upon 
whose  countenances  content  and  happiness  ap- 
pear the  prominent  features.  It  should  seem  as 
if  the  inhabitants  of  this  village  did  not  trouble 
the  press  much,  as  a  long  list  of  club  articles, 
filling  five  sheets  of  foolscap,  are  here  nailed  up 
against  the  wall.  On  passing  the  Hare  and 
Hounds,  the  London-Road  turns  to  the  left  ;  and 
the  village  of  Corsham,  in  a  direct  line,  is  about 
three-quarters  of  a  mile's  distance  from  Vickwick. 
On  arriving  at  the  above  place,  which  has  a  very 
neat  clean  appearance,  Corsham-House  is  soon 
ascertained.  The  approach  to  this  venerable 
mansion  is  through  a  long  wide  avenue  of  thickly 
planted  high  trees  on  each  side,  which  gives  it 
a  prepossessing  character.  It  has  an  antique 
look,  built  after  the  Gothic  style,  and  the 
church  upon  its  right  adds  considerably  to  the 
general  effect.  It  has  also  a  fore-court  (in 
which  are  some  small  buildings  for  aged  poor 
people)  and  large  gates.  The  village  of  COR- 
SHAM, with  its  Park,  &c.  can  be  traced  from 
the  time  of  William  the  CONQUEROR,  and  ori- 
ginally made  part  of  the  dower  of  the  Queens  of 
England,  which  appears  from  its  being  settled 
upon  the  royal  Consort  of  Edward  I.  to  which 
Bath  was  also  attached.  CORSHAM-HOUSE  has 
changed  its  proprietors  several  times  ;  and  in 
1747  it  was  purchased  by  the  late  PAUL  ME- 
THUEN,  Esq.  in  order  to  display  his  very  fine 
COLLECTION  OF  PAINTINGS,*  at  one  view. — 

*  The  connoisseurs,  it  seems,  have  pronounced  the  above 
collection  to  be  the  second  in  the  kingdom,  not  only  in  point 


222  VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE. 

Numerous  tasteful  alterations  and  improvements 
were  .made  during  his  lifetime,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Mr.  BROWN,  the  architect ;  but  it  was  re- 
served for  his  son,  the  present  possessor,  to  com- 
plete in  the  most  superb  manner  so  enlarged  and 
liberal  an  undertaking.  It  is  but  justice  to  add, 
that  whatever  individual  gratification  such  en- 
lightened pursuits  might  have  afforded  the  late 
PAUL  METHUEN,  Esq.  when  his  eye  luxuriantly 
dwelt  upon  this  celebrated  collection  of  the 
OLD  MASTERS,  in  his  own  possession,  it  is  the 
public  that  ultimately  derive  the  benefit  from 
exertions,  which  have  the  praiseworthy  tendency 
to  improve  our  taste,  soften  our  manners,  and 
excite  encouragement,  generally,  towards  the 
promotion  and  extension  of  the  FINE  ARTS.  On 
entering  the  Hall,  which  is  110  feet  in  length, 
25  feet  broad,  and  25  feet  high,  the  visitor 
feels  impressed  with  its  elegance.  It  has  a  gal- 
lery all  round  it ;  and  two  very  handsome  flights 
of  stairs,  which  front  each  other,  in  the  middle 
of  the  left  and  right  ends  of  the  hall.  The 
stone  floor  is  white,  but  chequered  with  black 
spots.  It  does  not  exhibit  any  of  the  ancient 
trophies  of  war,  shields,  &c.  like  the  renowned 
Castle  of  Otranto  ;  but  it  has  a  few  small  bronzed 
busts,  and  other  little  ornaments  ;  yet  it  pos- 
sesses a  sort  of  old  baronial  appearance,  and 
maintains  some  of  the  character  of  former  times. 
Two  small  flags  are  suspended  from  the  gallery, 

of  taste  and  excellence,  but  also  in  value  j  and,  unlike  most 
other  collections  of  this  kind,  the  above  pictures  have  re- 
mained undisturbed  in  one  family  upwards  of  seventy  years. 
They  are  valued  at  more  than  ,£200,000 ;  and  one  painting 
alone  cost  ,£30,000. 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE.  223 

remnants  of  the  late  county  election  for  Wilt- 
shire, (the  proprietor  of  this  mansion  being  re- 
turned one  of  the  members,  in  1818,)  upon  which 
are  painted  "  Success  to  the  Loom,  METHUEN 
for  ever ;"  and  "  Success  to  the  Plough ;"  a 
larger  one  in  the  middle  of  the  hall  has  also 
"  METHUEN  and  Independence."  Over  the 
fronts  of  the  stairs  leading  to  the  gallery  are 
placed  the  coat  of  arms  belonging  to  the  family, 
with  the  following  motto,  under  each  of  them — 
"  VIRTUS  INVIDUA  SCOPUS.  Here  a  footman  in 
livery  presents  the  visitor  with  a  book,  in  which, 
according  to  etiquette,  he  signs  his  name  and 
address.  The  housekeeper,  (Mrs.  Pardoe,)  a 
young,  intelligent,  interesting  female,  presents 
herself,  and  accompanies  the  various  parties 
through  the  suite  of  rooms,  explaining  in  a  very 
tasteful,  artist-like  manner,  the  various  subjects 
of  the  pictures,  and  the  names  and  merits  of  the 
painters. 

THE  STATE  DRESSING-ROOM  is  the  first 
place  which  attracts  the  anxious  expectation  of 
the  visitor.  It  is  a  truly  magnificent  apartment; 
and  the  pannels  being  of  a  dark  crimson  colour, 
give  to  the  pictures,  which  are  in  elegant  gilt 
frames,  a  very  imposing  and  rich  effect.  The 
following  paintings  are  seen  in  it: — 

1  A  Boy  blowing  Bubbles    An.  Caracci. 

9  A  Man  and  Woman  Smoaking  D.  Temer$,fec. 

3  Ditto  Drinking  Teniers. 

4  A  Battle  Piece,  a  Sketch Borgnogone. 

5  Death  of  Procris  A.  Elsheimer. 

6  Cupid  straining  his  Bow,  with  two  other  Cupids  Parmigwno. 

7  The  Corinthian,  Eudamidas  making  his  Will   N.  Poussin. 

8  Portrait  of  Tomaso  Masaniello  S.Rosa. 

9  and  10    Two  small  Pictures D.  Teniers. 

1 1     An  emblematical  Picture,  representing  a  guar- 
dian Angel  conveying  an  Infant  Female  to 

Heaven C.Dolce. 

i»    A  Barber-Surgeon's  Shop D.  Tenters. 


224  VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSK. 

13  An  Ecce  Homo L.  Garacci. 

14  A  Skirmish  between  Dutch  Boors  and  a  Party 

of  Spaniards P.  BruegJiel. 

15  A  Satyr  squeezing  Grapes,  with  a  Tiger  and 

Leopard ;, Rubens. 

A  door  from  the  above  room  opens  into  the 
STATE  BED-CHAMBER.  This  apartment  is 
equally  grand  with  the  former ;  and  the  state- 
bed  of  70  years  standing,  which  is  adorned  with 
costly  crimson  satin  hangings,  claims  the  atten- 
tion of  the  spectator.  The  following  large  pic- 
tures add  to  the  interest  of  the  state  bed- 
chamber:— 

16  The  Picture  of  a  Curtain,  with    a   Carpet, 

Fruit,  &c Maltese  and  M.  Angela- Campidoglio. 

17  William,  Duke  of  Guienne,    and    Count  of 

Poictieu  

18  Martyrdom  of  St.  Stephen Domenichino. 

The  following  pictures  have  been  added  to 
the  above  rooms,  taken  from  up-stairs,  but 
not  placed  or  numbered  in  the  regular  catalogue: 
intended  originally,  it  seems,  not  to  have  been 
shown  to  the  public : — 

Holy  Family Don  Snlto. 

Sacrifice  of  Gideon Rembrandt. 

Portraits  of  Lord  and  Lady  Boston    Romney. 

The  Great-Grandfather  and  Grandmother  of 

Mr.  Methuen ...  SirJoshwReynolds. 

Also  Mr.  Methuen's  Grandfather  and  Grand- 
mother   Ditto. 

These  paintings  are  in  a  high  state  of  preservation,  and  are 
pleasing  portraits ;  Sir  Paul  is  in  a  masquerade  dress. 

Soldier  and  Landscape  Bombuchio. 

Our  Saviour  in  the  Garden Malisso. 

The  face  is  peculiaily  fine. 

A  Head,  a  fine  subject  Dobson. 

The  whole  of  these  additional  pictures  are  well  worthy  the  attention 
of  the  admirers  of  sound  and  exquisite  painting. 

The  CABINET-ROOM.  This  splendid  apart- 
ment, from  its  numerous  paintings,  the  splendor 
of  its  decorations,  and  its  beautiful  look-out, 
fastens  rapturously  upon  the  mind  of  the  spec- 
tator. A  sofa  of  crimson  velvet,  with  seams  of 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE.  225 

gold-lace ;  rich  red  ottomans,  and  elegant  chairs 
to  correspond ;  looking-glasses,  tripods,  large 
China  jars,  &c.  &c.  The  following  is  a  list  of 
the  pictures: — 

On  the  Side  next  to  the  Bed-Chamber. 

19  Battle  Piece Franasco  Mola. 

20  Head  of  Old  Bassan  Himself. 

«1    The  Holy  Family P.  Vervnne. 

32  St.  Sebastian  and  other  Saints     Fillippo  Lauri. 

93    Our  Saviour,  and  the  Woman  taken  in  Adul- 
tery, John,  c.  viii.  v.  2.  Axaretto. 

The  face  of  the  woman  is  a  masterpiece  of  expression. 

84    A  Head  (doubtful)    LeodaVind. 

«5    The  Flight  into  Egypt Fillippo  Lauri. 

26  Martyrdom  of  St.  Laurence  Titian. 

27  The  Descent  from  the  Cross Rubens. 

88    Virgin  and  Child Raphael. 

Fain  would  I  Raphael's  godlike  art  rehearse, 

And  show  thf  immortal  labours  in  my  verse, 

Where,  from  the  mingled  strength  of  shade  and  light, 

A  new  creation  rises  to  my  sight ; 

Such  heav'nly  figures  from  his  pencil  glow, 

So  warm  with  life  his  blended  colours  glow ; 

From  theme  to  theme  with  secret  pleasure  tost, 

Amidst  the  soft  variety  I'm  lost : 

Here  pleasing  airs  my  ravish'd  soul  confound, 

With  circling  notes  and  labyrinths  of  sound; 

Here  domes  and  temples  rise  in  distant  views, 

And  opening  palaces  invite  my  Muse. 

The  &mth  Side' of  the  Cabinet  Room. 

49  St.  Mark  and  St.  John  in  Consultation  on  their 

Writings B.  Strozzi. 

30  Lot  and  his  Daughters Lorcnzi  Lotto. 

31  David  and  Solomon  B.  Strozzi. 

92  Portrait  of  Hermando  Cortez  Titian. 

33  The  Virgin  and  Child  Carlo  Cignam. 

34  Judith  preparing  to  cut  off  the  Head  of  Holo- 

fernes P.  Veronete. 

tb    A  Port  in  the  Mediterranean W.Vandervelde,jun. 

36  A  Battle  Piece,  Fight  with  the  Turks  Ditto. 

37  A  Landscape  representing  the  Dawn  of  Morn- 

ing   Claude. 

39    The  Virgin  and  Child  in  the  Clouds Murillo. 

39  A  Man's  Head Corregio. 

40  Judith  going  out  of  the  City  to  Holofernes' 

Tent,  companion  to  32  P.  Veronese. 

The  Side  next  to  the  Gallery. 

41  Our  Saviour  and  Nicodemus Guercino. 

42  The  Amphitheatre  at  Rome,  with  other  Ruins  Fttnant. 

43  Our  Saviour  with  the  Woman  of  Samaria,  com- 

panion to  41 Guercino. 

44  The  Marriage  of  Jacob Giro  Ferri. 


226  VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE. 

45  The  Virgin,  our  Saviour,  and  Saints Ludovica  Caracct. 

46  A  Garland  of  Flowers  Mario  Nuzzi. 

47  Virgin  and  Child,  St.  John  Baptist,  St.  Joseph, 

and  St.  Anne  Parmigiano. 

The  East  Side  of  the  Room. 

48  A  Head Dobson. 

49  Our  Saviour  in  the  Garden Malesso. 

50  The  Nativity Pasqualino. 

The  grand  climacteric  is  now   obtained    on 
entering  the  PICTURE  GALLERY.     It  is  like  the 
concluding  highly  finished  scene  of  a  pantomime. 
The  effect  is  dazzling.     Between  the  partitions 
of  four  windows  (which  command  a  view  of  the 
park-scenery  and  pleasure-grounds)  are  placed 
four  elegant  looking-glasses,  with  rich  crimson 
silk  curtains.    Under  the  looking-glasses  are  fine 
marble  slabs  of  variegated  colours,  supported  by 
gilt  feet.     In  various  parts  of  the  GALLERY  are 
eight  very  beautiful  large  China  jars  to  enrich  the 
scene.     Along  the  middle  of  the  floor,  which  is 
made  of  fine  oak,  and  kept  bright,  is  placed  a  long 
piece  of  crimson  cloth.  The  sofas,  ottomans,  and 
chairs,  are  of  the  most  elegant  description ;  in 
short,  the  ornaments  are  too  numerous  to  notice. 
The  ceiling  is  peculiarly  handsome,   with  good 
cornices.     The  fire-place,  which  is  in  the  centre 
of  the  room,   commands  great  attention  on  ac- 
count of  the  support  it  receives  from  two  female 
figures  of  white   marble  of  exquisite  statuary. 
On  the  middle  of  the  mantle-piece,  surrounded 
by  a  variety  of  attractive  subjects,  stands  the 
bust  of  the  Right  Honourable  Sir  Paul  Methuen, 
Knight  of  the  Bath,  in  the  reigns  of  King  Wil- 
liam, Queen  Anne,  George  the  First,  Envoy  Ex- 
traordinary and  Plenipotentiary  and  Ambassador 
to  the  Emperors  of  Germany  and  Morocco,  the 
Kings  of  Spain,  Portugal,  and  Sardinia;  one  of 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE.  227 

the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty;  a  Lord  of  the 
Treasury ;  Principal  Secretary  of  'State ;  Comp- 
troller and  Treasurer  of  the  Household.  Born 
1672,  died  1757.  It  has  also  a  beautiful  glass 
chandelier. 

In  addition  to  the  elegance  of  the  interior, 
as  well  as  a  relief  to  the  eye,  the  prospect 
of  a  fine  lawn,  majestic  clustres  of  trees,  and  a 
piece  of  water,  render  the  tout  ensemble  com- 
plete. When  the  spectator  gets  a  little  over  the 
brilliancy  of  the  scene  by  which  he  is  so  daz- 
zingly  surrounded,  the  paintings  are  also  of  that 
beautiful,  interesting  nature,  that  he  scarcely 
knows  how  to  quit  them.  The  following  are  the 
list  of  pictures  in  the  GALLERY: — 

On  the  South  Side. 

51    An   emblematical  Picture,    representing  the 
Virtues    and  Duties   belonging  to  a  good 

Christian Titian. 

Bright,  beyond  all  the  rest,  Corregio  flings 
His  ample  lights,  and  round  them  gently  brings 
The  mingled  shade.     In  all  his  works  we  view, 
Grandeur  of  style,  and  chastity  of  hue. 

Yet  higher  still  great  Titian  dar'd  to  soar, 
He  reach'd  the  loftiest  heights  of  colouring  power  ; 
His  friendly  tints  in  happiest  mixture  flow, 
His  shades  and  lights  their  just  gradations  know  ; 
He  knew  those  dear  delusions  of  the  art, 
That  rous'd,  relieve,  inspirit  every  part; 
Hence  deem'd  divine,  the  world  his  merit  own'd, 
With  riches  loaded,  and  with  honours  crown'd. 

54    A  Turk's  Head    Rembrandt. 

53  Our  Saviour  at  the  Pharisee's  House,    and 

Mary  Magdalene  anointing  his  feet  Carlo  Dolce. 

54  A  large  Battle  Piece  Giordiano. 

55  Ditto    Ditto. 

56  David  with  the  Head  of  Goliath Leon.  Spado. 

57  Dead  Saviour,  with  the  Virgin  and  St.  John  ..  An.  Caracci. 

58  A  Magdalen  meditating  on  a  Skull Titian. 

59  Martyrdom  of  the  Innocents  (doubtful) Vandyck. 

60  Baptism  of  Our  Saviour    Guido. 

61  Flight  of  the  Assyrian  Army P.  Veronese. 

62  A  Landscape S.Rosa. 

63  Holofernes  entertaining  Judith  at  a  Feast  ....  P.  Veronese. 

64  A  Mathematician Spagnoletto. 

65  Virgin  and  Child  Lanfranc. 

66  Herodiae  with  the  Head  of  St.  John  Baptist ..  L.  Giordan*. 

92 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE. 

6?     Rubens  and  his  Family,  with   Horses,  Dogs, 

Foxes,  Wolves,  &c Rubens  and  Snyders . 

This  is  a  large,  interesting  picture  5  and  the  wife  of  Rubens 
appears  handsome  in  the  extreme. 

68  A  Physical  Consultation  Spagnoletto. 

69  The  Marriage  of  St.  Catharine G^^erc^no. 

70  The  Marriage  of  Cana  in  Galilee L.Giordano. 

71  Our  Saviour  betrayed  by  Judas  Vandyck. 

72  Judith  reproves  the  Governors  of  the  City  ....  P.  Veronese. 

73  Landscape  S.Rosa. 

74  Judith  presented  to  Holofernes P.  Veronese. 

75  The  Angel  conducting  Tobias  to  Media  M.  Angela. 

76  Venus  in  her  Chemise,  dressing,  and  Cupid 

holding  her  Looking-glass P.  Veronese. 

This  painting  is  a  voluptuous  specimen  of  the  ancient  mas- 
ters ;  but  the  arms  are  considered  too  large. 

77  Vulcan  at  his  Forge  with  the  Cyclops  Jordaens. 

78  Charity  and  three  Children    Vandyck. 

On  the  North  Side  of  the  Gallery. 

79  The  Ordination  of  St.  Dennis  by  Pope  Clement  Le  Sueur. 

80  David  and  Abigail Rubens. 

81  A  Female  Saint  kneeling,  with  two  Children 

and  Angels  in  the  Clouds Da  Cortona. 

82  Tancred  and  Ermina,  from  Tasso Ditto. 

S3  The  Annunciation  P.Veronese. 

84  A  Landscape.    Evening Claude. 

85  The  Nativity Tintoretto. 

86  Women,  &c.  working  by  Candlelight  Giacomo  Bassan. 

The  Music-RooM.  Considerable  taste  and 
elegance  are  also  conspicuously  displayed  in  this 
apartment.  The  walls  are  painted  of  a  dark 
brown,  which  operate  as  a  pleasing  relief  from 
the  previous  exhibitions ;  several  sofas  of  co- 
loured velvet,  with  a  variety  of  flowers  em- 
broidered upon  them  of  exquisite  workmanship  ; 
rich  chairs  to  correspond;  large  china  jars, 
beautiful  shells,  inlaid  cabinets,  &c.  &c.  The 
skylight  also  adds  to  the  general  appearance  of 
this  apartment,  which  is  extremely  curious,  with 
stained-glass  partitions.  This  room  contains 
nearly  twice  as  many  pictures  as  any  of  the  pre- 
ceding apartments: — 

Upon  the  North  Side. 

87  A  Magdalen   Giadnto  Brandt. 

88  Portrait  of  Don  Antonio  de  Leiva  .*.  Dossodi  Ferrara . 

89  Portrait  of  Thomas  Killegrew,  Jester  to  King 

Charles  II. ...  Dobson. 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE.  229 

90  The  Holy  Family OldPalma. 

91  Portrait  of  Berni,  a  Satirist  of  Italy Giorgiane. 

92  Portrait  of  Cosmo,  the  last  Duke  of  Florence  Subtermans. 

93  A  Philosopher  Fran.  Mola. 

04  The  Virgin  and  Child  in  the  Clouds  with  five 

Saints Vandyck. 

95    A  Bacchanal  with  Silenus  and  Satyrs Jordatns. 

99    The  Crucifixion  Tintoretto. 

97  The  Birth  of  Our  Saviour,  and  Adoration  of 

the  Shepherds G.  Bassan. 

98  Sir  Charles  Baromens  visiting  the  Sick  during 

the  Time  of  a  Plague  at  Milan Giacinto  Bandi. 

99  Landscape  and  Figures  of  Dutch  Boors Adrian  Van  Ostade. 

100  Susanna  and  the  Elders    Givsapfx  Chiari. 

This  is  a  piece  of  great  merit;  the  looks  of  surpriseand  shame 
of  the  Woman  are  excellent. 

101  Nymphs  bathing  Poelemberg. 

104    Bacchanals Rubens. 

103  Flight  into  Egypt Scaramuccia. 

104  Education  of  Bacchus  Simon  Vvuet. 

105  A  Sketch  of  St.  Augustine,  in  Ecstacy,  con- 

templating the  Mystery  of  the  HolyTrinity, 

and  the  Incarnation  of  Our  Saviour Vandyck. 

106  The  Last  Supper Tintoretto. 

This  painting  claims  the  most  interesting  attention. 

107  The  Nativity Young  Palma. 

108  The  Virgin,  Our  Saviour,  and  several  Saints..  Guide. 

109  St.  John  in  the  Desert A.  D.  Sarto. 

110  Landscape  and  Robbery Borgosmm*. 

111  Nymphs  bathing  Poelemberg. 

Upon  the  East  Side  of  the  Music-Room. 

112  A  small  Head  of  St.  Sebastian  Guido. 

113  Our  Saviour  meditating  on  the  Sins  of  the 

World Pordedone. 

114  The  Battle  of  Eckerbert  Strada. 

115  St.Peter    Giacinto  Brandi. 

116  The  Continence  of  Scipio  Cortona. 

117  St.  Lawrence  on  the  Gridiron S.Rosa. 

118  Fortunetellers  Giorgione. 

119  Inside  of  a  Church,  with  Figures  Stenueyck. 

120  Taking  down  from  the  Cross  Alessandro  Tiarini. 

121  Henry  the  Seventh's  three  Children  Mahu.se. 

122  St.  John  in  the  Desert  P.  F.  Mola. 

123  Judgment  of  Paris  j    the  Landscape  by   P. 

Britle Rothenhammer. 

On  the  South  Side. 

124  Portrait  of  Vandyck  Himself. 

126    Portrait  of  Charles  Lewis,  Elector  Palatine  ..   Vandyck. 

126  Portrait  of  Pope  Innocent  the  Tenth Velasquez. 

127  Portrait  of  Andrea  Vesalius,  a  Physician  of 

great  Celebrity Tintoretto. 

128  A  naked  Boy  blowing  Bubbles,  and  treading 

on  a  Skull,  representing  Vanity  Eliz.  Sirani. 

129  Head  of  a  Dominican  Friar Lanfranc. 

130  Portrait  of  a  Spanish  General Borgognone. 

131  Half  length  of  Ann  Carr,  Countess  of  Bedford  Vandyck. 

132  Girl,  with  a  little  Dog  asleep  in  her  Arms  ....  Rembrandt. 


230  VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE. 

133  Landscape   N.  Poumn. 

134  Our  Saviour  breaking  the  Bread Car.  Dolce. 

135  Baptism  of  Queen  Candace's  Eunuch  by  St. 

Philip John  Both. 

136  Portrait  of  St.  Bruno,  founder  of  the  Carthu- 

sians      C.Dolce. 

137  Landscape  N.  Poussin. 

138  Hawking  Wouvermans. 

139  Virgin  and  Child Bar.  Schidone, 

140  Dutch  Boors  in  a  Cottage Av.  Ostade. 

141  Ditto Ditto. 

142  St.  John  with  two  Doctors  of  the  Church  ....  Denis  Calvart. 

143  Stag  Hunting Wbuvermans. 

On  the  West  Side  of  the  Music-Room. 

144  Portrait  of  an  Astrologer..., G.  F.  Penni. 

143    An  emblematical  Picture,  showing  the  folly 

of  spending  our  lives  in  the  pursuit  of  wine, 

music,  and  play Schorel. 

146    Omphale,  the  Mistress  of  Hercules A.Caracci. 

The  power  of  love  over  strength  is  finely  depicted  in  this 
painting.  Omphale  is  represented  naked,  and  possessing 
great  beauty  of  expression  and  warmth  of  colouring. 
14?    Head  of  a  young  Man Andrea  del  Sarto. 

148  Landscape  with  Figures.    Storm N.  Poussin. 

149  Flight  into  Egypt Bdnaschi. 

150  Landscape  with  Figures.    Storm    Gasper  Poutsin. 

151  A  Tinker  with  his  Dog,  in  a  Landscape Weeninx. 

152  The  Pope  saluting  a  Warrior Giacoma  Hassan. 

1 53  The  Deity,  with  several  Angels  in  the  Clouds  F.  Albano. 

154  The  Last  Supper Gia.  Bassan. 

155  Landscape  and  Cattle    „ Bomboccio. 

The  SALOON  is  every  thing  that  a  lover  of 
taste  can  admire,  and  the  visitor  enters  it  with 
the  most  rapturous  pleasure.  It  is  of  an  octagon 
shape,  40  feet  in  diameter,  and  24  feet  high ; 
with  three  windows,  or  rather  folding-doors, 
which  have  a  descent  of  six  steps  that  lead  into 
the  pleasure-grounds.  An  invisible  fence  is  in 
front  of  the  Saloon.  The  ceiling  is  an  object 
of  much  curiosity,  representing  ribs,  painted  in 
imitation  of  coloured  marble.  The  sofas  are 
plentiful  and  elegant,  particularly  one  of  white 
satin,  worked  all  over  with  various  flowers  in 
gold  cord.  Some  rich  and  beautiful  inlaid  ca- 
binets, very  fine  shells,  tables,  books  of  prints, 
&c. ;  it  has  also  an  elegant  fire-place.  The  im- 
pression which  the  SALOON  makes  upon  the 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSfi.  231 

spectator  is  not  easily  described,  but  it  operates 
so  strongly  that  every  person  seems  to  leave  it 
with  regret.  The  paintings  are  also  of  the  most 
exquisite  description: — 

156  Head  of  St.  John   , Unknown. 

157  Virgin  and  Child,  St.  Joseph,  and  St.  Catha- 

rine   John  Fern  l?yc*. 

158  Inside  of  a  Church  by  Torchlight,  with  a  Pro- 

cession    Pet.Neefs. 

159  Head  of  Antonio,  Son  of  Augustina  Caracci..  An.  Caracci. 

160  Portrait  of  a  Man  in  a  Ruff Rubens. 

161  Head Spagnoletlo. 

16«    Adoration  of  the  Magi Al.  Durer. 

163  Battle  Piece  Borgognont. 

164  Profile  Head  of  a  young  Female  Guide. 

165  Judgment  of  Midas G.  Loire**. 

166  Soldiers  on  Horses  Borgognome. 

167  Sir  Francis    Xavire  dying  on  the  Coast  of 

China C.  Marat*. 

168  Battle  Piece  tiorgognwe. 

169  Portrait  of  an  Old  Man  Unknown. 

170  Head Dobson. 

171  Head Antonio  More. 

179  Queen  Anne's  Nurse  </.  Ryley. 

17$    Annunciation  Ptrugino. 

174  Whole  length  Portrait  of  James  S.tuart,  Duke 

of  Richmond  and  Lenox  Vandyck. 

175  Head  of    Lord  Bernard  Stuart,    afterwards 

Earl  of  Lichfield  Ditto. 

176  Portrait  of  Franciscus  de  Talis,  the  first  In- 

ventor of  Posts  in  Europe Unknown. 

177  Headof  St.  James Guercino. 

178  Our  Saviour  crowned  with  Thorns Bassan. 

179,    Judgment  of  Paris G.  Lairesse. 

This  painting  is  much  admired  for  its  beauty  of  expression. 

180  Sea  Piece  f''andevelde,jnn. 

181  Portrait  of  a  Man  in  a  Ruff Rubens. 

189    The  Nativity  Al.Durcr. 

183  Margaret,  Countess  of  Richmond  and  Derby, 

Mother  of  Henry  VII Mabuse. 

184  Head  of  a  Slave Rap.delColle. 

185  Half-length  Portrait  of  Scanderberg,  in  Ar- 

mour      Giorgione. 

186  St.  Peter Spagnoletto. 

187  Mary  Magdalene Quintin  Matsys. 

188  Sir  Bryan  Tukc Holbein. 

189  Head  of  a  Painter Unknown. 

190  Murder  of  the  Innocents All.  Turchi. 

191  Sea  Piece  Vdndvelde,  jun. 

192  Shipwreck  of  St.  Paul  on  the  Island  of  Melita  Elsheimer. 

193  Landscape  and  Figures J.Brueghel. 

194  Ditto  Ditto. 

The   DINING-ROOM   follows    in    succession, 
where  usefulness  seems  to  take  the  precedence 


232  VISIT  TO  CORSHAM- HOUSE. 

of  brilliancy  of  appearance.  The  furniture  is 
composed  of  fine  brown  solid  mahogany;  side- 
board, tables,  &c.  The  chairs  are  old-fashioned, 
with  red  bottoms ;  and  a  handsome  Turkey  car- 
pet. Over  the  mantlepiece  is  a  whole  length 
engraving  of  her  late  Royal  Highness  the  Prin- 
cess of  Coburg,  by  Jones.  This  is  the  only 
apartment  that  does  not  attract  from  its  grandeur, 
but  it  has  however  to  boast  of  some  very  beauti- 
ful highly  finished  paintings,  which  close  this 

GRAND  COLLECTION  I  — 

On  the  West  Side. 

195  Fruit  Piece  M.  Angela  Car. 

196  Sir  Paul  Rycant  Sir  Peter  Lely. 

197  Fruit  Piece  M.  Angela  Car. 

198  The  Duchess  of  Mantua,  Grandmother  to  the 

Emperor  Charles  V.  with  her  Son  in  her 
Lap,  who  was  the  last  Duke  of  Mantua, 
with  Figures B.  Castiglione. 

199  DonQuixotte    Spanish  Painter. 

On  the  South  Side  of  the  Dining-Room. 

200  Battle  Piece  Pandolpho  RescM. 

201  Birds  and  Beasts  going  into  the  Ark  B.  Castiglione. 

202  Battle  Piece  Borgognone. 

203  Sir  Peter  Lely  and  Family,  in  a  Musical  Con- 

cert     Sir  Peter  Lely. 

904    A  Dutch  Kermis,  or  Country  Fair    Old  P.  Bruegel. 

205  Cats  Fighting,  and  Still  Life  Snyders. 

This  painting  is  much  admired. 

206  Battle  Piece  Borgognone. 

207  Ditto Pan.  Reschi. 

208  Fruit Antonio  Caracci. 

209  Ditto M.  Angela  Oar. 

210  Jupiter  and  Ganymede M-  Angela  Buonarrotti. 

211  Fruit  M.  Angela  Car. 

212  Dogs  and  Foxes  * Snyders. 

If  admittance  to  the  LIBRARY  can  be  pro- 
cured, (which  is  not  always  the  case),  it  will  be 

*  To  those  persons  who  may  feel  anxious  for  a  more  detailed  ac- 
count of  these  paintings,  together  with  an  historical  account  of 
Corsham-House ;  an  essay  on  the  Fine  Arts,  and  a  dissertation  on  the 
merits  of  the  different  Schools;  also  a  review  of  the  progressive  state 
of  the  Arts  in  England,  and  biographical  sketches  of  the  numerous 
Artists  in  this  collection,  a  small  but  interesting  volume,  written  by 
Mr.  Britton,  will  afford  much  valuable  information  and  amusement 
on  its  perusal. 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE.  233 

found  well  worthy  the  attention  of  the  visitor. 
It  is  45  feet  long,  and  22  feet  wide,  and  well 
filled  with  handsomely  bound  books ;  but  those 
of  a  high  classic  description  do  not  appear  to 
preponderate.  Over  the  fire-place  is  a  fine  por- 
trait, by  DOBSON,  of  Sir  Charles  Lucas,  shot  to 
death,  August  28,  1648,  for  defending  the  Castle 
of  Colchester  against  the  Parliamentary  army 
under  Fairfax.  Here  are  also  some  excellent 
miniatures,  particularly  one  of  George  II.  and 
two  or  three  exquisitely  finished  bronzed  figures, 
among  which  is  a  copy  of  the  dying  gladiator; 
not  forgetting  a  little  reasonable  man,  remark- 
ably well  put  together,  (formed  by  the  present 
lady  of  the  mansion,  Mrs.  Methuen).  The  ap- 
pearance of  the  library  is  altogether  interesting. 
It  also  contains  globes,  maps,  an  excellent  piano- 
forte, and  a  very  elegant  mahogany  pair  of  steps 
on  casters.  Here  are  likewise  two  fine  portraits 
of  the  daughters  of  the  above  Sir  Charles  Lucas, 
both  of  whom  married  into  the  METHUEN  fa- 
mily. 

In  the  DOMESTIC  apartments  above  stairs, 
which  are  not  included  in  the  catalogue  to  meet 
the  eye  of  the  public,  are  some  most  excellent 
paintings,  among  which  is  nearly  a  whole-length 
portrait  of  QUEEN  ELIZABETH,  said  to  be  taken 
by  her  own  desire  when  she  was  dying.  The 
grim  king  of  terrors  is  seen  standing  close  to  her 
left  shoulder,  as  if  to  warn  her  Majesty  of  her 
approaching  dissolution.  The  face  of  the  Queen 
is  finely  worked  up ;  and  it  claims  the  admira- 
tion of  every  spectator,  as  a  masterpiece  of  ex- 
pression. There  is  evidently  a  great  deal  of 
doubt  and  apprehension  depicted  upon  her 


234  VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE. 

countenance,  and  she  appears  to  be  suffering 
under  the  most  excruciating  bodily  pain  and 
mental  anguish.  It  is  in  high  preservation,  and 
her  Majesty  is  dressed  in  the  peculiar  costume 
which  designated  her  reign.  The  painter,  un- 
fortunately, is  not  known,  although  the  most 
anxious  inquiries  have  been  made,  and  are  con- 
tinually making  to  ascertain  the  fact.  The  King 
of  Prussia  has,  within  the  last  two  or  three  years, 
it  seems,  sent  an  artist  from  Berlin  to  endeavour 
to  give  some  clue  towards  the  painter,  but  with- 
out any  avail;  it  is  however  attributed  to  the 
pencil  of  some  foreign  artist.  In  the  same  room 
is  also  a  very  large  picture,  representing  a  bird's 
eye  view  of  the  City  of  Peru,  and  some  others, 
with  landscapes. 

The  adjoining  apartment  contains  the  greatest 
curiosities  in  CORSHAM-HOUSE,  from  its  being 
hung  with  the  GOBBLING  TAPESTRY.  The 
subjects  represented,  eight  in  number,  are  ex- 
quisitely executed,  and  some  of  them  large 
pieces ;  the  most  prominent  of  which  is  the  dog 
jumping  on  the  back  of  the  wild  boar,  and  seiz- 
ing him  upon  the  hind  part  of  his  neck.  The 
expression  of  the  agony  of  the  boar  is  almost 
real  life;  his  starting  eye  is  fine  indeed.  The 
perspective  of  the  hills  to  the  righj;  of  the 
tapestry  is  also  admirably  portrayed  ;  but  the 
hunter  in  pursuit  of  the  boar  has  the  spear 
in  his  left  hand,  which  is  considered  as  rather  a 
drawback  to  the  otherwise  finished  excellence  of 
this  piece  of  workmanship.  On  each  side  of 
the  bed  is  a  painting  by  Sir  Joshua  Reynolds, 
the  children  of  the  ancestors  of  the  present  pro- 
prietor ;  one  is  a  boy  playing  with  a  fine  hound  ; 


VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE.  23/> 

and  the  other  a  girl  and  a  boy ;  but  the  faces  of 
the  children  are  almost  white,  the  colouring 
having  completely  lost  its  effect.  This  com- 
plaint, it  should  seem,  has  become  rather  general 
against  the  once  highly  esteemed  flesh  colouring 
so  peculiar  to  this  deservedly  famed  painter. 

In  taking  leave  of  the  brilliant  and  superb 
part  of  this  elegant  mansion,  one  of  the  most 
useful  parts  of  the  establishment  is  offered  to  the 
view  of  the  visitor,  namely,  the  DAIRY.  If  this 
place,  in  which  much  taste  is  also  shown,  in  the 
formation  of  an  octagon  small  building,  with 
very  handsome  stained  glass,  cannot  boast  of  a 
LINGO  to  enjoy  the  cream  of  the  thing,  an  obli- 
ging COWSLIP  is  ready  to  give  every  explana- 
tion necessary.  It  is  fitted  up  with  every  con- 
venience ;  and  upon  the  whole  it  must  be  pro- 
nounced a  little  elegant  appendage  to  CORSHAM- 
HOUSE. 

The  PROMENADE  OF  THE  GROUNDS,  lastly, 
attracts  the  attention  of  the  visitor.  If  the  study 
of  art  has  been  deemed  necessary  to  give  supe- 
rior taste  in  the  formation  of  them,  it  must  be 
confessed  that  the  beauties  of  nature  are,  never- 
theless, to  be  met  with  at  every  step.  Trees  of 
the  finest  sort  rise  majestically  over  the  ground ; 
and  in  the  lowest  part  of  the  Park  a  piece  of 
water  has  been  formed  to  add  to  the  effect, 
which,  with  the  distant  hills,  and  the  surrounding 
woody  scenery,  render  the  prospect  delightfully 
interesting  and  picturesque.  The  late  improve- 
ments in  the  grounds  have  been  made  from  the 
designs  of  Mr.  REPTON.  Chairs  and  benches, 
made  of  the  boughs  of  trees,  are  to  be  found  in 
various  parts  of  the  walks,  to  rest  the  visitor; 


236  VISIT  TO  CORSHAM-HOUSE. 

and  some  curiously  covered  ones.  The  summer- 
house  is  a  neat  building,  and  the  fond  ivy  has 
nearly  obscured  its  front ;  a  sort  of  subterrane- 
ous turn-round  is  attached  to  it,  that  leads  to 
the  garden,  but  no  admittance  to  which  is 
granted.  The  stained-glass  here  has  also  a 
pretty  effect,  but  more  particularly  when  the 
trees  and  shrubs  are  viewed  through  it.  At  the 
bottom  of  the  walk  there  is  a  fine  view  of  the 
north  front  of  the  building,  which  has  been 
modelled  after  the  design  of  Henry  the  Seventh's 
Chapel  at  Westminster,  and  has  a  very  light  at- 
tractive appearance.  The  flying  buttresses  and 
turrets  are  also  viewed  as  great  ornaments  to 
this  elegant  mansion.  The  above  addition  has 
been  erected  within  the  last  18  years,  from  the 
design  of  JOHN  NASH,  Esq.  and  cost,  it  is  said, 
£80,000. 

It  is  thought  that  the  proprietors  of  the 
coaches  in  Bath  might  employ  one  or  two  of 
their  vehicles  every  Tuesday  and  Friday  to  a 
very  good  account,  set  apart  expressly  for  the 
purpose  of  conveying  visitors  from  Bath  to 
CORSHAM-HOUSE. 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  237 


WALK  (or  EXCURSION)  XII. 


A   VISIT  TO   CLIFTON   AND    BRISTOL  HOT- 
WELLS. 

From  the  Old  Bridge  pass  Holloway,  (CHAPEL  OF  ST. 
MARY  MAGDALENE)  through  Twiverton,  Saltford, 
Keynsham,  Brislington,  pass  AUNG'S  VALE  to  Bris- 
tol. WALK  alongside  of  the  Avon,  pass  the  New 
Jail  to  the  Stop-Gate  at  Nova  Scotia  Wharf,  and 
proceed  to  Rownham  Tavern  and  the  FERRY.  HOT- 
WELL-HOUSE  and  PUMP-ROOM.  ST.  VINCENT'S 
ROCKS.  RETURN  over  the  Downs,  through  Clifton, 
to  Sion-House,  pass  Prince  of  Wales's  Crescent, 
4-c.  4rc. ;  cross  Brandon-Hill  to  Bristol,  through 
College-Green  and  the  Docks.  Pass  the  Exchange 
and  Post-Office  through  Clare-Street,  turn  down 
High-Street,  pass  over  Bristol-Bridge,  through 
Temple-Street,  and  arrive  at  the  Iron  Bridge,  from 
whence  this  WALK  commenced. 


THE  delightful  village  of  CLIFTON  and  the 
BRISTOL  HOT  WELLS  are  so  immediately  con- 
nected with  a  visit  to  Bath,  the  facilities  so  nu- 
merous and  easy  to  arrive  at  the  above  salubri- 
ous and  healthful  situation,  the  distance  only 
13  miles,  and  the  expense  so  trifling,  that  it  is 
thought  few  persons  who  are  anxious  to  make 
the  most  of  their  time  would  hesitate  for  a  single 
instant  in  setting  out  to  view,  in  addition  to  some 
almost  unparalleled  prospects,  one  of  the  most 
majestic  works  of  nature,  namely,  St.  Vincent's 


238  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

Rocks.  Stage-coaches  start  almost  every  hour 
in  the  day  from  Bath  to  Bristol,  outsides  2s.  6d. 
and  insides  4s.  and  return  from  the  latter  place 
with  the  same  convenience,  regularity,  and  ex- 
pedition. 

On  quitting  the  Old  Bridge,  the  road  along- 
side of  the  Avon,  on  the  right,  affords  a  fine 
view  of  the  Royal  Crescent,  and  the  various  ele- 
vations contiguous  to  it.  To  the  left  is  Hol- 
loway,  situated  in  the  parish  of  Widcombe  and 
Lyncombe,  and  under  Beechen  Cliff  stands  the 
small  chapel  of  St.  Mary  Magdalene,  which, 
from  its  present  dilapidated  state  is  little  better 
than  a  ruin,  and  divine  service  has  not  been  per- 
formed in  it  for  a  long  time  past.  Its  founder  is 
unknown  ;  but  it  is  in  the  gift  of  the  Lord  Chan- 
cellor. Viewed  from  the  road,  the  chapel,  which 
is  built  in  the  Gothic  style,  and  covered  with 
ivy,  has  an  interesting  effect:-- 

'Ere  round  the  huge  oak,  which  o'ershadows  yon  mill, 

The  fond  ivy  had  dar'd  to  entwine, 
And  the  church  was  a  ruin,  that  nods  on  yon  hill, 

Where  the  rook  built  its  nest  in  the  pine. 

It  is  a  piece  of  considerable  antiquity,  which 
may  be  seen  on  the  east  side  of  the  porch  from 
the  following  lines,  in  rude  characters :  — 

Thys.  chapell.  floryschyd.  wt.  formosyte  spectabyll. 

In.  the.  honowre.  of.  M.  Magdalen,  prior  Cantlow.  hath. 

edyfyde. 
Desyring.  yow.  to.  pray.  for.  him.  wt.  yowre.  pryers,  delecta- 

byll. 
That.  sche.  will,  inhabit,  him.  in.  hevy n.  ther.  evyr.  to.  abyde. 

A  small  hospital  for  idiots,  adjoining  to  the 
chapel,  also  belongs  to  the  endowment,  which 
was  rebuilt  in  1761. 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  239 

TWIVERTON  (provincially  called  TWER- 
TON,  2  miles,  6  furlongs)  is  a  neat,  interesting 
looking  village,  and  is  rather  conspicuous  for 
its  large  broad-cloth  manufactory.  This  build- 
ing, which  is  lofty  and  capacious,  possesses  all 
the  appearance  of  an  elegant  mansion.  It  is  the 
property  of  Mr.  WILKINS,  who  has  erected,  con- 
tiguous to  his  manufactory,  a  very  handsome 
range  of  neat  and  comfortable  dwellings,  built  of 
freestone,  in  the  Gothic  style,  for  his  numerous 
workmen ;  and,  with  the  addition  of  his  own  re- 
sidence and  grounds  attached  to  it,  gives  a 
pleasing  finish  to  the  whole.  Near  the  extre- 
mity of  this  village  stands  a  small  neat  house,  in 
which  it  is  asserted  that  several  chapters  of 
Tom  Jones  were  written  by  FIELDING  : — 

When  from  the  world  departs  a  son  of  fame, 
His  deeds  or  works  embalm  his  precious  name ; 
Yet,  not  content,  the  public  call  for  art, 
To  rescue  from  the  tomb  his  mortal  part  j 
Demand  the  painter's  and  the  sculptor's  hand, 
To  spread  his  mimic  form  throughout  the  land ; 
A  form,  perhaps,  when  living  was  neglected, 
And,  when  it  could  not  feel  respect,  RESPECTED  !•— 

GARRICK. 

About  a  mile  to  the  left  of  Twerton  is  New- 
ton St.  Loe  Park,  belonging  to  William  Gore 
Langton,  Esq.  which  is  distinguished  not  only 
for  an  elegant  modern  mansion,  but  for  the  beauty 
of  its  gardens  and  the  grandeur  shed  around 
from  its  lofty  venerable  oaks,  added  to  its  pic- 
turesque scenery,  which  receives  a  considerable 
and  pleasing  variety  from  several  sheets  and  falls 
of  water.  About  half  a  mile  farther  on  the 
right,  Kelweston-House,  and  its  fine  woody 
appearance,  demands  the  attention  of  the  tra- 


240  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

veller,  belonging  to  Sir  John  Hawkins,  Bart. 
Queen  Elizabeth  was  entertained  at  the  above 
seat  with  great  splendor ;  and  it  was  also  in  this 
mansion,  that  a  translation  of  the  poem  of  Ari- 
osto,  the  celebrated  Orlando  Furioso,  was  pro- 
duced, when  in  the  possession  of  the  Harrington 
family,  which  were  eminently  distinguished  for 
their  wit  and  talents.  Queen  Elizabeth  also 
stood  godmother  to  the  above  translator. 

SALTFORD  (5  m.)  contains  but  a  few  strag- 
gling houses. 

KEYNSHAM  (7  in.)  consists  of  one  street 
of  some  length,  and  is  a  market-town ;  it  was 
formerly  distinguished  for  its  manufacture  of 
cloth ;  but  the  principal  occupation  of  the  in- 
habitants, at  present,  is  spinning  for  the  clothiers 
at  ShepUm  and  Bradford.  The  church,  which 
is  dedicated  to  St.  John  the  Baptist,  is  a  hand- 
some erection,  and  has  a  lofty  tower,  and  good 
ring  of  bells ;  and  it  also  contains  some  very 
elegant  and  superior  monuments,  particularly 
that  of  Sir  Thomas  Bridges.  Keynsham  in  for- 
mer times  was  celebrated  for  an  abbey,  but  no 
traces  of  which  now  remain.  The  road  affords 
some  delightful  prospects,  till 

BRISLINGTON  (10  m.  4  f.)  appears  in 
sight,  which  is  a  small  but  clean  village.  Pre- 
vious to  entering  BRISLINGTON,  on  the  right, 
stands  the  Lunatic  Asylum,  under  the  manage- 
ment of  Dr.  Fox.  It  is  peculiarly  well  adapted 
for  the  reception  of  those  unfortunate  persons, 
from  the  airiness  of  its  situation,  and  the  ad- 
vantage of  its  grounds ;  and,  added  to  the  supe- 
rior skill  and  mode  of  treatment  pursued  by  this 
gentleman,  it  appears,  numerous  persons  have 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  241 

been  restored  to  their  friends  and  the  advantages 
of  society.  The  following  anecdote  is  related 
of  Dr.  Fox,  the  authenticity  of  which  has  been 
vouched  for.  The  doctor,  it  seems,  was  in  the 
general  habit  of  visiting  his  patients  alone,  and 
also  frequently  walking  through  his  grounds 
without  the  attendance  of  his  servant,  at  the 
bottom  of  which  was  a  large  bath  appropriated 
for  the  use  of  the  invalids.  The  doctor,  in  one 
of  his  morning  walks,  was  seized  suddenly  upon 
by  some  of  his  patients,  who  threatened  to  drown 
him;  when,  without  betraying  the  slightest 
symptoms  of  fear,  and  with  the  utmost  coolness, 
observed  to  his  insane  persecutors,  that,  pre- 
vious to  their  throwing  him  into  the  water,  it 
might  be  better  for  them,  as  a  token  of  their 
triumph,  to  give  three  very  loud  cheers.  This 
stratagem  had  the  desired  effect.  The  noise  im- 
mediately brought  the  keepers  to  the  spot ;  the 
madmen  were  instantly  diverted  from  their  ob- 
ject, and  the  life  of  the  doctor  thus  preserved. 

Within  a  mile  of  Bristol,  on  the  left  side  of 
the  road,  is  a  gentleman's  seat,  denominated 
ARNO'S  VALE  ;  and  near  to  which  is  the  elegant 
mansion,  built  of  freestone,  belonging  to  J. 
Maxse,.  Esq.  On  the  left  is  a  building  which 
resembles  a  castle,  and  has  a  good  effect,  but 
upon  its  immediate  approach  it  is  found  to  be 
stables.  On  descending  the  hill,  a  view  of  the 
populous  City  of  Bristol  bursts  upon  the  tra- 
veller. 

Upon  crossing  the  iron  bridge,  previous  to 
the  direct  entrance  into  the  City  of  Bristol,  the 
traveller  will  experience  a  most  delightful  walk 
on  the  banks  of  the  Avon,  and  which  is  one 

R 


'24'2  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

mile  and  a  half  nearer  to  CLIFTON  and  the  HOT- 
WELLS  than  through  the  streets  of  the  above 
bustling  city.  A  second  iron-bridge,  of  one  arch, 
soon  presents  itself  close  to  Bathurst's  Hotel; 
contiguous  to  which  is  the  New  Jail,  built  of 
rock-stones.     This  prison  is  an  extensive  build- 
ing, and  has  a  lodge  and  yard  in  the  front  of  it. 
The  keeper's  house  is  situated   in  the   centre, 
adjoining  to  which  are  two  iron  galleries  nearly 
at  the  top  of  it,  leading  to  two  long  wings.     It 
has  a  formidable  and  terrifying  aspect ;  the  iron 
gratings  of  the  windows  are  strong  and  massy ; 
and  the  prison  is  completely  encircled  with  a 
high  stone  wall.     On  passing  this  receptacle  for 
the  depraved  and  abandoned,  the  eye  is  relieved 
with  a  most  enlivening,  extensive,  and  diversi- 
fied prospect.     The  spectator,  on  standing  with 
his  back  to  the  cut,  will  have  to  his  right  a 
fine  view  of  that  part  of  the  venerable  cathedral 
which  appears  to  stand  in  the  centre  of  the  trees, 
supported   by  the   spires  of  St.  Augustin's,  St. 
Stephen's,  St.  Werburg,  Christ- Church,  and  All- 
Saints.    In  the  front,  Tyndale's  Park,  the  house 
belonging  to  its  proprietor,  which  commands  an 
extensive  prospect,  stands  on  an  eminence  con- 
tiguous to  Brandon-Hill.     At  a  small  distance 
from  this  spot,  which  throws  an  elegance  over 
the  scene,  rises,  in  the  most  grand  and  majestic 
style,  the  ROYAL  YORK-CRESCENT.    From  its 
extraordinary  elevation  it  has  a  very  attractive 
appearance,    many  of  the   houses   being   orna- 
mented   with  elegant  verandas ;   it  is  built  of 
freestone,  though  some  of  these  lofty  edifices 
differ  as  to  colour.     To  increase  the  effect,  at  a 
considerable   distance   beneath    the   above   fine 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  243 

range  of  residences,  is  the  LOWER  CRESCENT, 
but  many  of  the  houses  remain  in  an  unfinished 
state.  On  the  side  of  the  ROYAL-CRESCENT, 
a  charming  row  of  houses  appear  in  great  for- 
wardness. The  Hot -Wells-Road  is  also  dis- 
tinctly seen.  Illhouse-Dock,  with  ships  in  what 
is  termed  "  the  float,"  gives  a  most  interesting 
variety  to  the  prospect.  To  the  left  is  seen,  at 
an  immense  height,  Ashton-Hilly  which  is  dis- 
tinguished from  its  having  three  trees  upon  the 
top  of  it,  and  the  mansion  of  Lady  Smith,  near 
to  Lee-Wood.  Pursuing  the  walk,  the  traveller 
is  impeded  in  his  career  by  a  "  stop-gate," 
where  one  halfpenny  is  demanded  for  the  accom- 
modation ;  and  contiguous  to  the  above  gate  is 
Nova- Scotia-Wharf.  It  is  here  the  entrance 
from  the  river  takes  place  to  the  float,  passing 
through  Cumberland-Bason,  which  has  a  large 
pair  of  dock-gates.  The  West  Indiamen  fre- 
quently remain  in  this  bason,  till  an  opportunity 
offers  for  them  to  unload  higher  up.  Rownham 
Tavern  and  the  Ferry  is  now  soon  gained  by 
the  traveller,  which  affords  a  most  delightful 
opening  and  view  of  Dundry-Hill,  with  the 
tower  upon  the  top  of  it.  To  the  right,  but  al- 
most close  to  the  above  tavern,  stands  a  fine 
handsome  range  of  buildings,  called  "  Watts's 
Folly,"  which  is  built  upon  a  rock  of  an  immense 
height.  The  ruggedness  of  the  rock  has  been 
cleaned  off  so  smoothly,  that  it  has  now  the  ap- 
pearance of  elegant  brick-work.  The  "  Folly" 
as  it  is  termed,  was  originally  commenced  by 
the  proprietor  of  the  Patent  Shot  Manufactory ; 
but  it  completely  ruined  him  before  it  was  half 
built,  and  remained  in  an  unfinished  state  for  some 

R  2 


244  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

years.  A  story  is  very  prevalent  at  Clifton  re- 
specting this  Folly ;  indeed,  it  is  vouched  for  as 
fact,  that  Mr.  Watts  was  induced  to  undertake 
these  buildings  in  consequence  of  a  dream  that 
had  some  allusion  to  the  process  of  making  shot ; 
which,  it  appears,  must  fall  from  an  immense 
height  before  they  can  acquire  a  finish.  The 
story  goes  on  to  say,  that  out  of  one  of  these 
fallen  shot,  which  rebounded  from  the  ground, 
an  immense  range  of  high  houses  instantly  ap- 
peared, which  promised  an  accession  of  fortune. 
Mr.  Watts  being  at  Clifton  at  the  time,  and  this 
rock  appearing  to  accord  with  his  dream,  the 
erections  were  instantly  set  about :  unfortu- 
nately for  himself  and  family,  this  favourable 
interpretation  was  never  realized  ;  but,  on  the 
contrary,  destruction  and  misery.  On  passing 
the  Folly,  on  the  turn-round  by  the  side  of  the 
inn,  a  fine  gravel-walk  appears,  shaded  by  a  long 
line  of  trees,  of  600  feet  in  length,  contiguous  to 
which  is  St,  Vincent's  Parade,  an  elegant  row  of 
houses,  built  of  freestone;  at  the  end  of  the  Pa- 
rade is  a  handsome  Colonade,  in  the  form  of  a 
crescent,  filled  with  shops,  that  operate  as  an 
agreeable  promenade  in  wet  weather ;  and  near  to 
which  is  the  HoT-WELL-HousE  AND  PUMP- 
ROOM.  It  is  a  very  plain,  small  building.  The 
water  drank  here  is  without  smell,  of  a  soft, 
warm,  milky  taste,  and  pleasing  and  grateful  to 
the  stomach.  The  spring  from  which  it  is  taken 
rises  near  the  bottom  of  the  cliffs,  ten  feet  above 
low  water  mark,  forcibly  making  its  way  through 
an  aperture  in  the  solid  rock,  and  is  of  so  copious 
a  nature  as  to  discharge  60  gallons  in  a  minute. 
It  has  been  analysed  for  the  last  200  years  by 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  245 

various  eminent  physicians,  and  pronounced  to  be 
extremely  efficacious  in  cases  of  weakness  of  the 
lungs,  fevers,  in  spitting  of  blood,  chlorosis,  dy- 
sentery, internal  inflammations,  &c.  if  timely  taken 
in  hand.  It  is  also  said  to  be  beneficial  in  dia- 
betes, stone,  gravel,  stranguary,  gleets,  loss  of 
appetite,  and  indigestion;  and  consumptions  have 
been  stopped  in  their  rapid  career  by  its  continued 
use  in  milk  diet.  It  is  however  considered  of  a 
hard  quality,  and  will  not  easily  dissolve  soap; 
but  it  is  drunk  generally  by  the  inhabitants  of 
Clifton,  and  brought  into  their  houses  by  pipes. 
The  above  PUMP- ROOM,  it  seems,  is  shortly  to 
be  taken  down  to  increase  the  towing-path,  and 
also  in  consequence  of  the  injury  it  has  sustained 
from  the  attraction  of  Sion- House ;  a  new  one 
is  to  be  erected  in  a  more  preferable  situa- 
tion, and  a  road  made  to  it.  Her  late  Majesty, 
when  she  visited  Clifton,  drank  the  water  at  the 
OLD  PUMP-ROOM. 

The  stupendous  rocks,  on  each  side  of  the 
river,  called  St.  Vincent's,  now  burst  upon  the 
spectator  with  such  sublimity  and  grandeur  as  to 
set  description  at  defiance  :  the  highest  part  of 
which  is  full  300  feet  from  the  bed  of  the  river. 
The  Avon,  which  flows  between  them,  for  about 
a  mile  and  a  half,  no  where  exceeds  150  yards 
in  breadth  ;  and  it  is  conjectured  they  were  se- 
parated from  each  other  by  some  dreadful  con- 
vulsion of  nature.  They  have  the  appearance 
of  a  dark  red  marble.  A  chapel,  formerly 
erected  upon  the  highest  part  of  these  rocks, 
was  dedicated  to  St.  Vincent,  after  whom  they 
are  named.  The  foliage  of  the  numerous  trees 
in  Lee-Wood,  opposite,  peeping  as  it  were  from 


'246  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

their  summits,  forms  a  most  delightful  contrast. 
This  wood,  which  contains  the  kingly  oak,  the 
lofty  elm,  ash,  sycamore,  box,  and  grave  yew- 
trees,  blending  their  various  colours,  with  the 
addition  of  numerous  others,  render  it  so  exu- 
berant and  attracting,  that  numerous  parties,  in 
summer-time,  frequently  cross  the  river,  (what 
might  be  termed  "  gypsying"  it,)  taking  their 
provisions,  tea-kettle,  &c.  with  them,  and  often 
concluding  these  excursions,  on  the  verdant 
spot,  to  the  sound  of  a  fiddle,  upon  the  "  light 
fantastic  toe."  The  Indiamen,  merchantmen, 
sloops,  boats,  &c.  sailing  to  and  from  Bristol, 
tend  very  much  to  increase  the  effect.  The  men 
employed  in  blowing-up  the  rocks,  which  is 
rather  a  service  of  danger,  have  tables  set  out 
by  the  side  of  the  river  with  selections  of  various 
pieces  of  the  rock,  termed  bacon,  blue,  and 
black  spar,  with  some  variegated  Bristol  stone 
for  sale,  left  to  the  generosity  of  the  purchaser. 
Some  parts  of  this  stone  are  polished,  and  made, 
into  chimney-pieces,  but  it  is  principally  burnt 
for  lime.  The  echo  is  thunder  indeed  when  the 
biowing-up  is  performed  ;  and  the  men  on  the 
rocks,  engaged  in  sending  some  of  the  frag- 
ments down,  appear  like  little  boys.  Near  to 
the  top  of  one  of  the  above  high  rocks  is  to  be 
seen  the  "  Giant's  Hole."  From  the  great 
curiosity  which  frequently  induced  numerous 
persons  to  ascend,  to  explore  the  two  cavities 
which  it  contained,  an  outer  and  an  inner  cham- 
ber, where,  according  to  tradition,  a  giant  for- 
merly dwelt,  all  approach  to  it  now  has  very 
properly  been  blown  up,  in  order  to  prevent  any 
farther  danger  or  accidents.  Persons  walking 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  247 

by  the  side  of  these  rocks  appear  truly  diminu- 
tive ;  and  the  majestic  appearance  of  the  above 
venerable  cliffs  must  be  pronounced  one  of  the 
grandest  scenes  in  nature  : 

How  beautiful  the  pale  rocks,  above  the  shore, 
Uplift  their  bleak  and  furrow'd  aspect  high! 

How  proudly  desolate  their  foreheads,  hoar, 
That  meet  the  earliest  sunbeams  of  the  sky. 

Round  to  yon  dusky  mast,  with  pennants  gay, 
The  tall  bark  on  the  winding  waters  line, 

Between  the  riven  cliffs  plies  her  hard  way, 

And,  peering  on  the  sight,  the  white  sails  shine. 

Alas  !  for  those,  by  drooping  sickness  worn, 
Who  now  come  forth  to  meet  the  gladsome  ray, 

And  feel  the  fragrance  of  the  tepid  morn 

Round  their  torn  breast  and  throbbing  temples  play  ! 

Perhaps  the  muse,  with  a  desponding  sigh, 
On  the  cold  vault  that  shall  their  bones  inurn  ; 

Whilst  every  breeze  seems,  as  it  whispers  by, 
To  breathe  of  comfort  never  to  return. 

Yet  oft,  as  sadly-thronging  dreams  arise, 

Awhile  forgetful  of  their  pain  and  gaze, 
A  transient  lustre  lights  their  faded  eyes, 

And  o'er  their  cheek  the  tender  hectic  strays. 

The  purple  morn  that  paints  with  sideling  gleam, 
The  cliff's  tall  crest,  the  waving  woods  that  ring 

With  charm  of  birds,  rejoicing  in  the  beam, 

Touch  soft  the  wakeful  nerve's  according  string. 

Then,  at  sad  meditation's  silent  hour, 

A  thousand  wishes  steal  upon  the  heart ; 
And,  whilst  they  meekly  bend  to  Heaven's  high  power, 

Ah  !  think  'tis  hard,  'tis  surely  hard  to  part — 

To  part  from  every  hope  that  brought  delight ; 

From  those  that  lov'd  them,  those  that  lov'd  so  much  j 
Then  fancy  swells  the  picture  on  the  sight, 

And  softens  every  scene  at  every  touch. 


248  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

Sweet  as  the  mellow'd  woods  beneath  the  moon. 
Remembrance  lends  her  soft  uniting  shades  : 

"  Some  natural  tears  she  drops,  but  wipes  them  soon," 
The  world  retires,  and  its  dim  prospect  fades. 

Airs  of  delight  that  soothe  the  aching  sense  ; 

Waters  of  health,  that  through  yon  caverns  glide  ; 
Oh,  kindly  yet  your  healing  powers  dispense, 

And  bring  back  feeble  life's  exhausted  tide  ! 

Some  orphan  maid,  deceiv'd  in  early  youth, 

Pale  o'er  yon  spring  may  hang  in  mute  distress  ; 

Who  dreamt  of  faith,  of  happiness,  and  truth, 
Of  love — that  virtue  would  protect  and  bless. 

Some  musing  youth  in  silence  there  may  bend, 
Untimely  stricken  by  sharp  sorrow's  dart ; 

For  friendship  form'd,  yet  left  without  a  friend, 
And  bearing  still  the  arrow  at  his  heart ! 

On  proceeding  a  short  distance,  the  turning 
of  the  river  still  continues  attractive.  The  view 
of  King's  Road  and  Cook's  Folly  must  be  seen 
to  feel  the  beauty  of  the  impression  ;  on  the 
latter  place,  it  seems,  a  great  number  of  the 
trees  have  been  cut  down  to  increase  the  pro- 
spect, and  there  is  one  of  the  most  delightful 
"  look-outs,"  from  an  old  building,  that  can  be 
imagined. 

On  the  traveller's  return  to  Bristol,  upon 
turning  to  the  right,  and  ascending  the  hill,  the 
delightful  village  of  CLIFTON  will  be  gained, 
which,  from  the  air  being  so  remarkably  pure 
and  salubrious,  added  to  its  elevation,  is  styled 
the  MONTPELTER  of  England.  It  is  worthy  of 
observation,  that  the  turf  abounds  with  aroma- 
tic plants,  which  grow  here  wildly,  and  are 
not  to  be  met  with  in  any  other  part  of  the 
kingdom,  being  natives  of  this  peculiar  spot. 
The  fragrance  from  these  plants  proves  of  the 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  249 

most  vivifying  nature,  not  only  to  the  valetudi- 
narians, but  to  all  the  frequenters  of  this  health- 
ful retreat.  Clifton-Downs  now  become  inte- 
resting to  the  spectator,  which  is  covered  with 
verdure  all  the  year.  The  invalids  are  here  seen 
enjoying  the  light  restorative  breeze,  several  of 
whom  are  drawn,  in  small  curricles,  by  a  pair 
of  donkeys  ;  the  charge  for  this  vehicle,  includ- 
ing the  driver,is  Is.  6d.  per  hour.  The  remnants 
of  some  ancient  fortifications  belonging  to  the 
Romans  are  still  visible,  and  may  be  traced  upon 
these  Downs,  near  to  which  are  the  remains  of 
an  old  tower,  a  circular  building  containing 
some  windows,  but  without  any  roof;  the  in- 
terior of  which  has  only  to  boast  of  a  brick 
floor  and  a  fire-place  ;  it  has  three  open  spaces, 
which  were  formerly  doors.  From  the  centre  of 
this  building  are  three  most  delightful  views 
through  the  above  openings.  In  the  front,  an 
extensive  prospect  of  Gloucestershire.  On  the 
right,  part  of  Clifton,  Northampton-Buildings  ; 
and  in  the  back  ground,  Dundry-Hill.  On 
the  left,  King's  Road,  with  the  ships  lying  at 
anchor;  the  Bristol  Channel,  and  the  Moun- 
tains in  South  Wales.  At  the  end  of  the  Downs 
the  traveller  is  attracted  by  the  mansion  of  Sir 
William  Draper,  once  so  conspicuous  in  the 
minds  of  the  public,  from  the  severe  attack  he 
received  from  the  pen  of  the  hitherto  undis- 
covered JUNIUS.  To  the  left  of  this  seat  is  a 
plain  but  expensive  monument,  with  an  urn  upon 
its  top,  erected  by  the  above  gentleman,  "  Sa- 
cred to  the  memory  of  the  Field-Officers,  Cols. 
Brereton  and  J.  More;  the  Lieutenants,  Ensigns, 
and  Surgeons,  of  the  79th  Regiment :"  the  in- 


250  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

scription  also  states, — •'  the  French  forces  in 
Asia  were  withstood  and  repulsed ;  the  commerce 
of  Great  Britain  preserved,  by  the  defence  of 
Madras.  The  battle  of  Wandewash.  Three 
superb  capitals  taken.  Arcot,  Pondicherry,  the 
Manilla  and  Phillipine  islands.  The  generous 
treatment  of  a  vanquished  enemy — exhibiting  an 
illustrious  example  of  true  fortitude  and  mode- 
ration worthy  of  being  transmitted  to  the  latest 
posterity — that  future  generations  may  know 
humanity  is  the  characteristic  of  British  con- 
querors !  These  conquests  were  obtained  from 
1759  to  1762."  To  the  right  of  the  house  is 
another  monument,  with  a  lofty  pillar,  bearing 
the  following  inscription  : — 

"  GULIELMO  PITT,  Comiti  de  Chatham, 

Hoc  Amicitiae  privatae  Testlraonium, 

Siraul  et  Honoras  public!  Monumentum, 

Posuit  GuJielmus  Draper." 

Near  to  this  estate  is  the  mansion  of  Hart  Davis, 
Esq.  M.P.  of  Bristol,  with  some  charming 
grounds  attached  to  it. 

A  few  minutes  bring  the  visitor  to  SION- 
HOUSE,  or  the  UPPER  HOT  WELL;  it  is  an 
elegant  erection,  and  also  contains  a  most  excel- 
lent library.  At  this  house  resides  Miss  SHAR- 
PLES  and  her  brother,  (George,}  portrait-paint- 
ers in  crayons,  whose  talents  for  brilliancy  of 
colouring,  softness  of  touch,  and  accuracy  of 
likeness,  are  deservedly  the  theme  of  all  the 
fashionable  visitors  and  judges  of  painting.  The 
same  young  lady  is  equally  attractive  in  historical 
subjects  and  delightful  landscape  scenery.  The 
Prince  of  Wales's  Crescent  is  a  handsome  range 
of  houses,  but  the  Mall,  for  beauty  of  situa- 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  251 

tion,  may  be  said  to  take  the  lead  in  Clifton. 
Rodney  and  Saville  Places,  Richmond-Terrace, 
Boyces  Buildings,  York  and  Prince's,  &c.  are 
all  worthy  of  inspection.  The  Royal  York- 
Crescent  can  boast  of  a  terrace  equal  to  any 
street  in  London  ;  added  to  Beaufort,  Paragon, 
Trafalgar,  Buildings,  and  Windsor-Terrace, 
commanding  views  of  the  river,  render  this 
watering-place  a  most  desirable  retreat.  It  is 
impossible  to  pass  over  the  fine  architectural 
appearance  of  the  Mangeon- Hotel,  (the  daugh- 
ter of  Mrs.  M.  a  short  time  since,  made  her 
debut  at  Drnry-Lane-Theatre,  as  a  pupil,  and 
under  the  auspices  of  Mrs.  Mountain,  with 
much  success,)  which,  for  its  extensive  esta- 
blishment and  accommodation,  is  equal  to  any 
hotel  in  the  kingdom.  The  Church  at  Clifton 
is  neat  but  small,  near  to  which  is  the  mansion 
of  Gabriel  Goldney,  Esq.  so  attractive  from  its 
celebrated  curious  grotto  ;  the  entrance  to 
which,  from  its  great  variety  of  beautiful  and 
scarce  shells,  its  fine  roof,  and  rich  Mosaic 
pavements,  together  with  its  stream  of  water  in 
gentle  rills,  contrived  to  fill  a  reservoir  for  gold 
and  silver  fi*h,  captivates  the  spectator;  it  is 
also  enriched  with  metallic  ores,  petrifactions, 
Bristol  stones,  &c.  A  subterraneous  passage  is 
connected  with  the  grotto,  which  leads  to  a 
terrace-walk,  from  which  are  seen  some  interest- 
ing landscapes. 

On  quitting  Clifton,  the  most  preferable  road 
to  return  to  Bristol  is  to  cross  Brandon-Hill, 
which  is  about  250  feet,  in  perpendicular  height, 
from  its  base.  From  this  hill  is  a  fine  panora- 
mic view  of  all  the  city ;  and  from  its  summit 


252  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

Oliver  Cromwell,  it  appears,  battered  the  Cathe- 
dral and  town. 

College-Green  and  the  Docks,  if  time  permit, 
are  well  worthy  of  observation.  In  Clare- Street, 
the  Exchange,  Post-Office,  and  Council-House, 
are  equally  important.  On  turning  down  High- 
Street,  the  traveller  will  pass  over  Bristol- 
Bridge,  built  of  Portland-stone,  which  is  an 
elegant  structure  of  three  arches.  Then,  through 
Temple- Street,  and  cross  the  iron  bridge,  when 
the  visitor  will  soon  regain  his  vehicle.  The 
return  to  Bath  will  also  furnish  him  with  a  variety 
of  rich  prospects  for  his  contemplation. 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  253 

* 

WALK  (OR  EXCURSION)  XIII. 


A  sail  down  the  Avon  through  the  Majestic  Rocks  of  ST. 
VINCENT  to  PILL.  Cross  the  River  to  Weeks'* 
Hotel,  in  Gloucestershire.  (FERRY,  Id.)  WALK 
to  PEN  POLE,  through  the  Village  of  Shirehampton, 
the  Park  of  LORD  DE  CLIFFORD'S  to  King's 
Weston  Hill  and  Tavern.  A  VISIT  TO  LOIIDDE 
CLIFFORD'S  HOUSE  AND  CELEBRATED  COLLEC- 
TION OF  PAINTINGS  BY  THE  OLD  MASTERS. 
RETURN  to  BRISTOL  over  Durdham  Downs,  pass 
the  Black  Boy  in  the  main  Road,  the  King's  Parade, 
TyndalVs  Park,  Berkeley-Square,  through  Park- 
Street  to  College-Green,  cross  the  Docks  up  Clare- 
Street  to  the  Bush  Tavern,  where  Stages  are  always 
in  readiness  to  convey  the  Traveller  to  BATH. 


SHOULD  the  traveller  feel  inclined  to  prolong 
his  stay  at  Clifton  for  one  evening,  in  order  to 
enjoy  the  salubrious  breezes  from  an  early 
aquatic  excursion  in  the  morning,  on  the  Avon,io 
the  little  sea-port  of  PILL,  about  the  distance 
of  six  miles,  and  that,  too,  at  the  trifling  expense 
of  SIXPENCE,  (vessels  and  boats  always  passing 
from  Bristol);  also  to  partake  of  one  of  the  most 
extensive  and  delightful  prospects  in  the  king- 
dom, at  PEN  POLE  ;  and  from  thence  to  WALK 
through  the  fine  grounds,  witnessing  the  pic- 
turesque scenery  with  which  the  Park  of  LORD 
DE  CLIFFORD  so  fertilely  abounds  :  likewise  to 
view  the  fine  mansion  of  his  Lordship,  and  his 


254  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFFON. 

unique  collection  of  Paintings,  considered  in 
point  of  talent  and  value  as  the  third  private 
collection  in  England,  from  the  pencils  of  the 
following  great  painters,  VANDYCK,  POUSSIN, 
TENIERS,  CLAUDE  LORRAIN,  MICHAEL  AN- 
GELO,  GUIDO,  GUERCINO,  VANBLOOM,  CANA- 
LOTTI,  RUBENS,  &c.  &c.  The  time  so  em- 
ployed must  be  considered,  by  every  intelligent 
mind,  as  well  devoted  to  the  combined  advan- 
tages of  pleasure  and  instruction. 

The  sail  from  Rownham  Tavern  (the  Ferry) 
is  truly  delightful.  The  effect  is  sublime.  En- 
compassed, as  it  were,  on  each  side  by  the  ma- 
jestic rocks  of  St.  Vincent,  appearing  like  a 
huge  cavern  rent  asunder.  The  numerous  mar- 
ket-boats, sloops,  brigs,  Indiamen,  &c.  conti- 
nually passing  to  and  from  Bristol;  the  men 
employed  in  blowing  up  the  rocks  ;  the  foot- 
passengers  promenading  up  and  down  alongside 
of  the  river ;  the  green  hills  in  front,  trees,  &c. 
with  the  charming  variety  which  the  windings 
of  the  Avon  offers  to  the  enraptured  eyes  of  the 
spectator,  affords  contemplation  of  the  most  ex- 
tensive and  enlightened  description.  The  pas- 
sage becomes  rather  rough  as  Hongroad  is  ap- 
proached, at  which  place  a  large  clustre  of 
fine  trees,  on  theleft,  are  much  admired.  PILL 
is  at  length  made,  which  has  a  convenient  bay 
for  shipping ;  and  the  packets  for  Cork,  Water- 
ford,  &c.  sail  from  this  port.  It  is  full  of  pub- 
lic-houses, among  which  the  Waterloo-Inn,  Red 
Lion,  and  Duke  of  Wellington,  are  the  most 
conspicuous.  Near  the  river  it  has  something 
like  the  appearance  of  Wapping  ;  but,  at  its  ex- 
tremity, towards  the  country,  it  possesses  the 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  255 

neatness  of  a  village.  It  has  a  small  Church. 
Here  are  also  some  signs  put  up  at  two  or  three 
huckster's  shops,  pointing  out  the  widows  and 
orphans  of  the  men  who  were  lost  in  the  William 
and  Mary  Packet,  belonging  to  PtLL,  in  1818, 
as  a  means  of  attracting  custom.  One  penny  is 
charged  for  the  ferry  across  the  water  to  Weeks's 
Hotel,  when  the  traveller  arrives  in  Gloucester- 
shire. PILL,  with  the  ships,  craft,  &c.  has  a 
pretty  effect  from  the  above  hotel.  The  first 
road  on  the  left  leads  to  Lamplighter's  Hall, 
and  the  village  of  Shirehampton  appears  on  the 
right.  The  singular  and  delightful  elevation  of 
PEN  POLE  is  soon  ascertained,  from  which  one 
of  the  most  extensive  prospects  in  the  world  is 
witnessed : — 

What  a  scene  ! 

What  various  views  unnumber'd  spread  beneath  ! 
Woods,  tow'rs,  vales,  caves, dells,  cliffs,  and  torrent  floods, 
And  here  and  there,  between  the  spiry  rocks, 
The  broad  flat  sea. 

The  grounds  of  LORD  DE  CLIFFORD  extend 
to  PEN  POLE,  and  upon  which  elevation  a  sort 
of  sundial  is  erected,  in  order  to  accommodate, 
as  well  as  give  a  direction  to  the  telescopes  of 
the  travellers.  The  trees,  valleys,  and  pic- 
turesque scenery  immediately  adjoining  and  be- 
neath PEN  POLE  is  very  pleasing,  but  the  vast 
expanse  which  unfolds  itself  is  of  so  sublime 
a  nature,  that  imagination  must  supply  the 
defect  of  description.  In  the  centre  appears 
the  immense  space  of  the  Severn,  into  which 
the  Avon  empties  itself.  Ships  making  and  leav- 
ing Bristol.  The  range  of  hills  and  mountains 
encompassing  the  view  as  far  as  the  eye  can  pos- 


256  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

sibly  stretch.  To  the  right  is  seen  the  New 
Passage-House  to  Wales,  and  the  Passage-House 
on  the  other  side.  In  the  circle  on  the  right  is 
also  the  fine  range  of  hills  in  Somersetshire.  On 
quitting  PEN  POLE  the  village  of  Shirehampton 
is  passed  through,  when  the  traveller  soon  enters 
the  delightful  Park  of  Lord  de  Clifford,  and 
gains  the  fourth  mile- stone  from  Bristol.  This 
Park  affords  some  charming  views  of  Dundry 
Tower,  the  Old  Ruin  at  Clifton,  the  windings 
of  the  Avon,  and  the  seats  of  Mr.  Nash  and  Mr. 
Miles,  also  add  considerable  grandeur  to  the 
scene.  This  latter  mansion,  which  has  been 
recently  finished,  is  a  very  superior  build- 
ing. It  has  in  the  front  of  it  a  fine  portico 
with  lofty  pillars,  and  likewise  a  portico  with 
pillars  on  each  of  its  sides.  The  above  seat  is 
the  property  of  a  rich  merchant,  who  has  not 
only  consulted  taste  in  its  formation,  but  it  is 
said  to  have  cost  upwards  of  £150,000.  It  con- 
tains 132  rooms.  The  expenses  of  the  hall 
alone  were  £20,000.  The  interior  has  also  to 
boast  of  the  advantages  of  the  most  modern  fur- 
niture, with  all  its  superb  embellishments.  An 
extensive  library  is  forming;  and  several  of  the 
paintings  which  decorate  the  principal  rooms 
are  from  the  first  masters  of  antiquity.  Three 
of  which  cost  £30,000.  On  proceeding  through 
the  Park,  the  spectator  obtains  a  front  view  of 
the  mansion  of  Lord  de  Clifford,  which  was 
erected  from  a  design  of  Sir  John  Vanbrugh,  the 
architect  who  built  Blenheim-House.  s  It  has  ra- 
ther a  heavy  appearance,  and  not  much  admired 
for  its  style  of  architecture.  On  passing  an  ele- 
gant modern  little  cottage,  near  to  which  on  the 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  257 

left  is  King's  West  on  Hill ;  upon  this  eminence 
is  erected  a  very  commodious  Inn,  with  large 
stabling,  &c.  which  proves  extremely  convenient 
to  those  parties  who  leave  Bristol  to  admire  the 
prospects  of  PEN  POLE,  and  to  visit  the  House 
and  Paintings  of  Lord  de  Clifford.  On  the  sum- 
mit of  King's  West  on  H'tU,  the  view,  if  possible, 
is  still  more  extensive  than  witnessed  at  PEN 
POLE.  Tomb  Marie,  the  highest  mountain  in 
Wales,  is  distinctly  seen  ;  also  the  Denny, 
Chepstow,  Cardiff,  &c.  &c.  Upon  quitting  the 
above  Inn,  a  lane  on  the  right  is  the  carriage- 
road,  and  only  entrance  for  visitors  that  leads  to 
the  front  door  and  hall  of  Lord  de  Clifford's 
mansion,  which  is  about  the  distance  of  three 
hundred  yards  from  King's  Weston  Inn.  The 
hours  of  admittance  are  from  eleven  to  two 
o'clock  ;  and,  from  the  liberality  of  his  Lord- 
ship, in  order  to  gratify  the  curiosity  of  the  pub- 
lic, the  Paintings  are  to  be  seen  nine  months  in 
the  year.  The  visitor  has  nothing  more  to  do 
than  to  ring  a  bell,  and  upon  announcing  his 
wishes  to  a  footman,  the  housekeeper  instantly 
presents  herself,  and  the  apartments  are  shown 
without  delay. 

On  entering  the  HALL,  which  is  very  lofty 
and  in  the  form  of  a  square,  the  effect  is  inte- 
resting and  attractive.  Thirty-sir  large  por- 
traits, consisting  of  the  male  and  female  branches 
of  the  ancient  family  of  DE  CLIFFORD,  com- 
pletely cover  all  the  walls,  in  white  projecting 
frames.  The  whole  of  the  above  portraits, 
painted  by  Sir  Godfrey  Kneiler  and  Sir  Peter 
Lely,  are  in  fine  preservation,  and  retain  all  their 
original  excellence  and  beauty  of  colouring. 


258  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

From  this  place,  which,  perhaps,  might  with 
more  propriety  be  termed  the  PORTRAIT  GAL- 
LERY, a  door  leads  into  an  elegant  inner-hall,  in 
which  a  very  fine  piece  of  antiquity  immediately 
interests  the  attention  of  the  spectator,  a  wide 
old  oak  winding  staircase,  with  handsomely 
carved  bannisters,  capacious  landing-places,  and 
very  highly  polished,  which  leads  to 

LADY  DE  CLIFFORD'S  DRESSING-ROOM. — Of 
this   most   magnificent  apartment,  viewed  as  a 
Lady's  Dressing- Room,  it  may  be  urged,  with- 
out disparagement  or  fear  of  contradiction,  to 
have  no  equal  in  the  kingdom  ;  it  does  not,  how- 
ever, owe  its  importance  to  the  art  of  the   up- 
holsterer,   adorned   with    the    newest    fashions 
— it    has    no    fascinating    draperies    tastefully 
folded  to  enrapture  the  eyes  of  the  spectator— no 
enticing  Grecian  sofa,  by  way  of  invitation  to 
loll  the  time  away  with  a  novel,  or  interesting 
tete-ti-tete — in   short,    there  is   nothing    of  the 
boudoir  about  it ;  nor  are  there  any  traces  of  the 
waiting   maid's  "  occupation"  to   be   witnessed, 
(although   it  is   used   by  LADY  DE  CLIFFORD 
every  day,    and   a    small    simple  toilette  is  the 
only  appendage  of  dress)  that  in  any  way  tends 
to  give  it  the  above  designation.     The  room  is 
rather  long    and   lofty  ;    the  fine  oak  floor  is 
highly  polished  ;  and  containing  three  capacious 
windows  in  a  half  circular  front.     From  which 
the  same  delightful   extensive  prospect   is  wit- 
nessed as  at  PEN  POLE.     Not  a  ship  enters,  or 
goes  out  from  the   port  of  Bristol,  but  is  dis- 
tinctly seen  from  this  delightful  apartment :  — 

As  far  as  I  could  cast  my  eyes, 

Upon  the  sea,  something,  methought,  did  rise 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  259 

Like  blueish  mists,  which,  still  appearing  more, 
Took  dreadful  shapes,  and  thus  mov'd  tow'rds  the  shore : 
The  object,  I  could  first  distinctly  view, 
Was  tall  straight  trees,  which  on  the  water  flew  : 
Wings  on  their  sides  instead  of  leaves  did  grow, 
Which  gather 'd  all  the  breath  the  winds  could  blow  : 
And  at  their  roots  grew  FLOATING  PAT.ACES, 
Whose  out-blown  bellies  cut  the  yielding  seas  ! 

The  walls  of  the  room  are  covered  with  paint- 
ings in  gilt  frames.  The  subjects  in  general  are 
small,  but  they  are  of  the  first  excellence. 
Some  beautiful  inlaid  cabinets,  rich  and  costly 
shells,  &c.  also  decorate  this  dressing-room. 
The  following  are  the  most  eminent  of  the  pic- 
tures : — 

Two  Landscapes Poussin. 

These  paintings  are  pronounced  to  be  two  of  the  best  subjects  of 
this  great  master;  and  were  particularly  admired  by  the  Duchess  of 
York,  on  her  visit  to  De  Clifford-House. 

The  Holy  Family Unet. 

To  the  passing  eye  of  the  spectator  nothing  more  appears  than 
a  small  wreath  of  flowers;  and  it  almost  requires  the  aid  of  a  micro- 
scope to  discover  the  Holy  Family.  It  is  a  painting  of  extraordinary 
talent ;  and  the  beauty  and  symmetry  of  the  figures  are  finely  pre- 
served and  distinctly  executed.  It  is  worthy  of  the  most  minute  in- 
vestigation. 

The  Last  Supper  Franks. 

This  is  also  an  admirable  production. 
A  view  of  King's  Weston-Hill,  with  the  Seat  of 

Lord  de  Clifford  A  Modern  Painter. 

Three  delightfully  executed  views  of  Venice. 

Numerous  Scripture  and  other  pieces  of  great  beauty  and  talent. 

A  fine  collection  of  Miniatures  by  the  first  Artists  in  that  line  of 

painting. 

In  Crayons,  over  the  fire-place,  the  Dowager  Lady 
de  Clifford  and  her  Children ;  among  whom 

is  recognized  the  present  Earl  Gardner. 

Also  Venus  at  her  Toilet,  in  white  marble ;  a  most  delicate  and  highly 
finished  piece  of  sculpture. 

Thy  fair  ideas,  thy  delightful  forms, 
By  Love  imagin'd,  by  the  Graces  touch'd 
The  boast  of  well-pleas'd  Nature  !  Sculpture  seiz'd, 
And  bade  them  ever  smile  in  Parian  stone. 
Selecting  Beauty's  choice,  and  that  again 
Exalting,  blending  in  a  perfect  whole 
Thy  workmen  left  even  Nature's  self  behind. 

The  DRAWING-ROOM. — This  apartment,  the 
walls  of  which  are  covered  with  crimson  damask 

s2 


260  EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON. 

silk,  possesses  all  the  character  of  former  times ; 
the  antique  grate  and  old  chairs  still  retain 
their  places,  and  the  harmony  of  the  scene  is 
not  interrupted  from  the  introduction  of  any 
articles  of  modern  invention.  The  paintings  too 
are  from  the  pencils  of  some  of  the  oldest  mas- 
ters, and  portray  most  exquisitely  the  highest 
order  of  the  art. 


St.  John  in  the  Wilderness Raphael. 

A  Connoisseur  in  painting  would  think  a  hundred  miles  but  a 
trifling  distance  to  behold  such  a  line  picture,  independently  of  the 
beauty  of  its  colouring,  and  possessing  several  other  highly  finished 
requisites ;  the  foot  of  St.  John  positively  appears  protruded  from  the 
canvass.  It  is  almost  reality  personified,  and  its  excellence  and  effect 
cannot  be  communicated  by  description. 
Susanna  and  the  Elders Rubens. 

This  is  a  small  painting,  but  the  face  of  the  woman  is  exquisitely 
beautiful  j  the  shame  of  her  exposed  situation  is  depictured  with  great 
expression ;  and  the  peeping  curiosity  of  the  Elders  is  also  portrayed 
with  the  utmost  skill. 
St.  Cecilia  Domenichino. 

The  drapery  of  this  portrait  is  the  admiration  of  all  persons  who 
have  witnessed  it. 

A  Magdalen  Guido. 

Joseph  and  our  Saviour  Ditto. 

The  countenance  of  our  Saviour  is  finely  delineated ;  it  is  a  face  not 
of  this  world ;  and  possesses  all  those  sublime  touches  for  which  the 
heads  of  this  great  master  are  so  eminently  characterized.  The  hand 
of  Joseph  is  also  executed  with  uncommon  beauty.  Both  the  above 
paintings  cannot  be  too  much  admired. 
St.  Cecilia  and  her  Children  Maratti. 

These  portraits  are  sweetly  interesting.    The  harmony  of  all  tin 
faces  are  admirably  personified. 
Lot  and  his  Two  Daughters 
Moses  in  the  Bulrushes  Poussin. 

The  excellence  of  the  water  in  this  picture  is  the  admiration  of 
every  artist,  and  the  praise  of  every  spectator.  It  appears  almost 
transparent. 

This  room  also  contains  several  other  fine  paintings. 

Over  the  fire-place  stands  the  Judgment  of  Paris,  in  white  marble. 
It  is  a  finely  executed  piece  of  sculpture. 

A  Satyr  tied  is  also  worthy  of  inspection. 

Two  most  superb  inlaid  cabinets,  and  the  highly  polished  oak- 
floor,  tend  to  give  the  Drawing- Room  the  appearance  of  ancient 
grandeur. 

The  PARLOUR  : 

Samson  and  Delilah  Poussin. 

The  strength  and  energy  of  Samson,  and  the  beauty  and 
nating  softness  of  Delilah,  are  finely  contrasted.    It  is  an  admirable 
painting. 


EXCURSION  TO  CLIFTON.  2G1 

A  Madona  and  sleeping  Child  Guercino. 

The  loveliness  of  the  face  of  the  Madona  and  the  very  natural 
situation  of  the  Infant  claims  attention. 
Venus  and  Cupid Guide. 

The  powerful  attractions  of  Venus,  and  the  liveliness  of  the  young 
urchin,  have  been  portrayed  with  great  felicity  by  this  distinguished 
artist.  This  painting  imparts  all  the  warmth  of  love. 

There  are  also  some  fine  views  of  Ancient  Rome,  much  admired 
for  the  grandeur  of  their  architecture. 

EATING-PARLOUR: 

Two  whole-length  Portraits  of  Lady  Elizabeth 

Cromwill,  and  Thomas  Earl  of  Essex Sir  Godfrey  Knelltr. 

The  beauty  of  Lady  Elizabeth,  her  elegant  figure,  and  the  rich- 
ness of  the  drapery  and  laces,  are  delineated  with  all  the  happy  per- 
fection of  this  great  portrait-painter ;  but  the  fine  interesting  appear- 
ance of  the  Earl  is  truly  captivating.  The  expression  of  the  counte- 
nance contains  some  exquisite  touches  of  colouring. 

Some  excellently  finished  bronzed  figures  also  decorate  this 
parlour;  and  the  doors  of  which  tliat  lead  into  the  other  apartments 
are  of  solid  mahogany. 

The  remuneration  to  the  housekeeper  is  left 
entirely  to  the  liberality  of  the  visitors. 

Upon  leaving  the  inn  at  King's  Weston-Hill, 
a  delightful  walk  is  experienced  through  the 
fields  on  returning  to  Bristol.  The  seats  of  the 
following  gentlemen  are  also  passed :  Sneyd- 
Park,  Mr.  Hall;  Sir  Henry  Lippincott's ;  and 
Mr.  Webb,  M.P.  for  Gloucester.  The  fine 
Downs  of  Durdham,  upon  which  are  numerous 
rich  lofty  trees,  render  this  situation  truly  pic- 
turesque. The  Bristol  Races  are  also  held  upon 
these  Downs;  and  the  course  is  considered  a 
very  good  one.  The  main  road  is  soon  acquired, 
and  the  line  of  direction  is  in  passing  the  sign  of 
the  Black  Boy,  King's  Parade,  Tindall's  Park, 
Berkeley-Square,  through  Park-Street  to  College- 
Green,  and  upon  crossing  the  Docks  to  Clare- 
Street.  The  BUSH  TAVERN  has  always  nu- 
merous stages  to  convey  the  traveller,  almost  at 
every  hour  in  the  day,  to  the  City  of  BATH. 


LITERARY    PERSONS. 


DISTINGUISHED  LITERARY  PERSONS, 

NATIVES  OF  BATH, 

Or  otherwise  connected  with  the  above  City. 


ONE  of  the  oldest  natives  on  record,  who  distinguished 
himself  as  a  literary  character,  was  JOHN  HALES,  de- 
nominated the  "  Ever  Memorable."  He  was  born  in 
Bath  in  1584,  and  received  the  rudiments  of  his  edu- 
cation at  the  Grammar-School.  From  his  great  profi- 
ciency in  the  Greek  language,  at  the  early  age  of 
twenty-eight  years  he  was  appointed  Greek  Professor 
to  the  University  of  Oxford.  It  appears,  that,  out  of 
all  his  works,  "  GOLDEN  REMAINS"  was  the  only  one 
evervpublished ;  and  which  took  place  after  his  death. 
It  was  a  collection  of  religious  tracts,  to  promote  the 
interest  of  religion,  and  to  reduce  it  to  its  primitive 
purity  and  simplicity.  He  experienced  a  great  num- 
ber of  vicissitudes  in  the  course  of  a  long  life,  and 
was  at  length  compelled  to  sell  his  library  to  support 
himself;  and  had  it  not  have  been  for  the  bounty  of 
a  friend,  his  latter  end  would  have  been  marked  with 
want — too  often  the  fate  of  genius.  He  died  in 
1656,  in  the  seventy-second  year  of  his  age,  and  was 
buried  in  Eton  College  church-yard.  It  is  said  of  him, 
that  he  was  one  of  the  best  characters  that  ever  ex- 
isted in  any  age  ;  and  was  also  distinguished  for  his 
fine  wit,  scholastic  acquirements,  and  elegance  as  a 
poet. 

Mr.  ANSTEY,  the  author  of  the  "  New  Bath  Guide," 
although  not  a  native  of  Bath,  must,  from  the  great 
interest  this  poem  excited  at  the  time  of  its  publica- 
tion, and  also  from  the  long  residence  of  this  gentle- 


LITERARY  PERSONS.  263 

man  in  the  above  city,  be  viewed  as  most  intimately 
connected  with  its  literature.  As  a  poem,  it  possesses 
great  powers  of  satire  and  ridicule  ;  but  it  is  also  di- 
vested of  personality  and  grossness.  As  a  proof  of 
its  merit,  it  has  lost  none  of  its  effect ;  and  the  wit 
and  humour  it  contains,  respecting  the  amusements, 
&c.  is  as  highly  admired  at  the  present  day  as  when 
it  first  made  its  appearance ;  (and  of  which  we  have 
availed  ourselves  in  making  several  extracts  to  illus- 
trate our  WALKS  THROUGH  BATH.)  Several  other 
poems  were  also  published  by  Mr.  ANSTEY  ;  but  not 
of  equal  celebrity  with  his  New  Bath  Guide.  This 
gentleman  died  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty,  atChip- 
penham,  in  1805. 

As  NATIVES,  and  connected  with  the  musical  his- 
tory and  literature  of  Bath,  the  family  of  the  LIN- 
LEYS  are  fully  entitled  to  the  most  honourable  men- 
tion :  and  who,  it  has  been  observed,  "  were  no 
less  distinguished  by  the  private  and  social  virtues, 
than  by  originality  of  reciprocal  genius,  and  high  pro- 
fessional excellence."  Talents  of  a  superior  order 
were  inherent  throughout  the  above  family ;  and  no 
female,  it  appears,  ever  enjoyed  a  greater  share  of 
public  attraction,  or  more  eminently  deserved  it,  than 
Miss  ELIZABETH  LIN  LEY  (afterwards  Mrs.  SHERIDAN), 
who  was  born  in  Bath  in  1754.  The  biography  of 
this  lady  is  extremely  interesting,  not  only  before  but 
after  her  marriage.  Her  extraordinary  vocal  powers, 
wit,  and  elegant  manners,  added  to  great  personal 
charms,  at  one  period,  rendered  Mrs.  Sheridan  the 
admiration  of  all  Bath.  On  her  first  appearance  at  the 
Public  Rooms,  as  a  vocal  performer,  when  only  twelve 
years  of  age,  she  displayed  so  much  genuine  taste  and 
execution,  and  her  tones  were  so  truly  melodious  and 
fascinating,  that  she  obtained  the  appellation  of  the 
"  SYREN,"  which,  in  the  short  space  of  two  or  three 
years  afterwards,  from  her  finished  and  peculiarly  ex- 
pressive style  of  singing,  was  succeeded  by  that  of 
the  "  ANGEL  !"  Hosts  of  admirers  were  in  her  train ; 


264  LITERARY  PERSONS. 

but  Mr.  Walter  Long,  an  old  bachelor,  possessing  a 
property  of  upwards  of  two  hundred  thousand  pounds, 
made  serious  overtures  of  marriage  to  her  father, 
which  proposals,  notwithstanding  the  great  disparage- 
ment of  years,  were  accepted;  but  the  lady,  it  ap- 
pears, was  always  averse  to  such  an  union.  The 
dresses  were  however  made,  and  the  day  appointed 
for  the  nuptials ;  but  owing  to  some  circumstances 
the  match  was  broke  off,  arid  the  matter  of  such  re- 
fusal submitted  to  an  arbitration,  when  it  was  agreed, 
that  Mr.  Long  should  pay  one  thousand  pounds,  as  a 
compensation  for  the  loss  her  father  had  sustained  in 
her  absence  from  the  public  Concerts.  The  above 
large  property  has  since  descended  to  Mrs.  Wellesloy 
Pole  Long. 

This  occurrence  occasioned  a  great  deal  of  chit-chat 
in  the  fashionable  world,  and  it  also  afforded  Mr. 
FOOTE  an  opportunity  of  introducing  Mrs.  SHERIDAN, 
in  a  piece  written  by  him,  called  the  "  Maid  of  Bath ,' 
as  Miss  Linnet.  This  comedy  was  performed  at  the 
Hay  market-Theatre;  and  the  prologue  was  from  the 
pen  of  Mr.  Garrick.  It,  however,  did  not  in  the 
slightest  degree  injure  the  reputation  of  Mrs.  SHE- 
RIDAN. 

Mr.  Charles  Francis  Sheridan  endeavoured  now  to 
procure  her  hand  ;  but  who  was  at  length  compelled  to 
relinquish  his  pretensions  in  favour  of  his  brother, 
(Richard  Brinsley,)  to  whom  the  lady  had  given  the 
preference.  The  warmth  and  rapture  of  the  lover 
cannot  be  better  seen  than  in  the  following  lines  : — 

Mark'cl  you  her  eyes  of  heavenly  blue; 

Mark'd  you  her  cheeks  of  roseate  hue ; 

Those  eyes  in  liquid  circles  moving  ; 

Those  cheeks  abash'd  at  man's  approving; 

The  one  love's  arrows  darting  round, 

The  other  blushing  at  the  wound. 

In  consequence  of  an  objection  being  made  to  then- 
marriage  by  the  parents  of  both  parties,  Mr.  Sheridan 
induced  the  object  of  his  attachment  to  elope  with 


LITERARY  PERSONS.  265 

him  to  the  continent ;  but  finding  there  was  an  ob- 
stacle to  their  union  in  France,  he  without  delay 
placed  her  as  a  boarder  in  a  convent.  It  was  not 
long  before  she  returned  to  England  with  her  father. 
From  this  flight  various  reports  got  into  circulation, 
and  the  Bath  Herald  contained  some  strictures  upon 
the  conduct  of  the  fugitives.  The  calumny  was  at 
length  traced  to  Mr.  Matthews,  a  most  intimate  friend 
of  the  Lady  and  of  Mr.  Sheridan.  A  most  desperate 
duel  in  consequence  took  place  between  them  in  a 
Coffee-house,  in  Bedford-Street,  Covent-Garden,  when 
Matthews  was  compelled  to  beg  his  life,  and  sign  a 
confession  of  the  falsehoods  which  he  had  propagated. 
This  acknowledgment  was  also  published  in  the  Bath 
Herald. 

This  was  a  great  triumph  to  Mr.  Sheridan ;  but 
Matthews,  stung  with  resentment  in  being  exiled,  as 
it  were,  from  all  the  fashionable  parties  at  Bath, 
in  which  he  was  a  leader,  demanded  another  meet- 
ing ;  and,  contrary  to  the  laws  of  honour,  and  the 
remonstrances  of  his  friends,  Mr.  Sheridan  met  the 
traducer  on  Kingsdown,  near  Bath,  at  four  o'clock  in 
the  morning.  Pistols  were  exchanged  without  effect. 
The  attack  then  commenced  with  swords — several 
severe  wounds  were  inflicted — and  in  falling  to  the 
ground  both  of  their  swords  were  broken.  Matthews 
being  uppermost,  exultingly  demanded  of  Sheridan  to 
beg  his  life,  when  the  latter  boldly  replied,  "  he 
scorned  it."  They  mangled  each  other  in  this  situa- 
tion till  both  were  exhausted  from  the  loss  of  blood, 
and  in  a  dying  state.  The  point  of  Matthews's 
sword  was  found  sticking  in  the  cheek  and  ear  of  Mr. 
Sheridan.  There  is  no  parallel  to  this  desperate  duel, 
except  the  one  related  in  the  Guardian,  in  the  reign  of 
James  I.  between  Lord  Bruce  and  Sir  Edward  Sack- 
ville. 

On  the  recovery  of  Mr.  Sheridan  he  was  rewarded 
with  the  hand  of  the  object  of  his  affections,  and  they 
were  married  in  April,  1773,  he  being  only  twenty-two 


266  LITERARY  PERSONS. 

years  of  age,  and  the  lady  nineteen.  In  consequence 
of  the  pride  of  Mr.  Sheridan  refusing  to  let  his  wife 
sing  at  the  Concerts,  (by  which  she  might  have  rea- 
lized some  thousands  a-year)  necessity  frequently  stared 
them  in  the  face ;  and  it  appears,  one  of  his  principal 
resources  was  that  of  writing  for  the  fugitive  publica- 
tions of  the  day,  in  which  he  was  materially  assisted 
by  his  amiable  partner.  And  this  distinguished  Se- 
nator has  often  since  acknowledged,  tJiat  he  and  Mrs. 
SHERIDAN  must  frequently  have  gone  without  a  dinner, 
had  it  not  been  for  the  exercise  of  their  pens. 

In  addition  to  the  talents  of  Mrs.  SHERIDAN  as  a 
a  vocal  performer,  she  composed  the  music  for  the 
pantomime  of  Robinson  Crusoe,  and  several  other 
pieces.  The  song  of  "  When  'tis  Night,  and  the  Mid- 
watch  is  come,"  written  by  Mr.  Sheridan,  was  also 
set  to  music  by  this  most  accomplished  female :  and 
the  following  production,  written  on  the  death  of  her 
brother  THOMAS,  the  celebrated  composer  and  per- 
former on  the  violin,  evinces  her  great  poetical  tasie  : — 
It  was  addressed  to  his  violin : — 


Sweet  instrument,  for  him  I  mourn, 
Tuneful  companion  of  my  Lycid's  hours, 

How  liest  thou,  neglected  and  forlorn  ! 

What  skilful  hand  shall  now  call  forth  thy  powers. 

Ah  !  none  like  his  can  reach  those  liquid  notes, 
So  soft,  so  sweet,  so  eloquently  clear  j 

To  live  beyond  the  touch,  and  gently  float 
In  dying  modulations  on  the  ear  ! 

Thus  o'er  my  Lycid's  lyre  as  Icomplain'd, 

And  kiss'd  the  strings  where  he  was  wont  to  play  ; 

While  yet  in  pensive  sadness  I  remained, 

Methought  it  sigh'd,  amd  sighing  seem'd  to  saj  : 

"  Ah  me  !  forlorn,  forsaken,  now  no  more 
Shall  fame  and  just  applause  around  me  wait  ; 

No  power  my  gentle  master  can  restore, 
And  I,  alas!   will  share  his  hapless  fate. 


LITERARY  PERSONS.  267 

"  Fled  is  that  spirit,  chill'd  that  youthful  fire, 

Which  taught  those  strains  with  harmony  replete ; 
And  cold  that  hand  which  only  can  inspire 

My  senseless  form  to  utter  sounds  so  sweet. 
"  Those  sounds  melodious  ne'er  again  shall  please  ; 

No  tuneful  strain  from  me  shall  ever  flow, 
Save  o'er  my  trembling  strings  a  sighing  breeze 

To  call  one  sad,  soft  note  of  tender  woe. 

"  Else,  ah  !  for  ever  mute  let  me  remain, 
Unstrung,  untun'd,  forgotten  let  me  be; 

Guard  me  from  curious  eye,  and  touch  profane, 
And  let  me  rest  in  mournful  sympathy. 

"  One  fate  with  thee,  dear  master,  let  me  share  ; 

lake  thee  in  silent  darkness  let  me  lie ; 
My  fame  without  thee  is  not  worth  my  care, 

With  thee  alone  it  liv'd,  with  thee  shall  die!" 

Also  upon  the  death  of  her  sister  MARIA,  who  ex- 
pired at  Bath,  in  September,  1784,  while  singing  "  I 
know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth  ;"  Mrs.  SHERIDAN  again 
exercised  her  poetical  talents  in  some  delightful  verses 
upon  the  occasion.  In  the  38th  year  of  her  age,  in 
June,  1792,  this  amiable  female  died,  at  Clifton,  of  a 
consumption  of  the  lungs,  and  was  interred  in  the 
ath  edral  at  Wells. 

The  person  of  Mrs.  SHERIDAN  was  considered  to 
possess  so  much  beauty  and  symmetry,  that  Sir  Joshua 
Reynolds  painted  her  portrait  in  the  character  of 
Saint  CECILIA  ;  but  it  is  much  regretted  by  a  recent 
biographer,*  that,  among  the  numerous  admirers  and 
particular  companions  of  Mrs.  SHERIDAN,  not  one 
was  found  to  strike  the  mournful  strings  at  her  obse- 
quies, or  to  suspend  the  votive  wreath  upon  her  tomb  : 
and  the  only  recorded  tribute  of  respect  paid  to  her 
memory,  consisted  in  a  short  eulogium,  by  an  eminent 
physician,  inserted  in  a  respectable  literary  Journal, 
concluding  with  the  following  classical  inscription,  no 
less  felicitous  in  its  description  of  the  virtues  of  one 

*  Watkins. 


268  LITERARY  PERSONS. 

sister   than  in    its   allusion    to   the  peculiar  circum- 
stances attending  the  death  of  another. 

IN  OBITUM 
DOM.  ELIZ.  SHERIDAN. 

Forma,  voce,  atque  ingenio,  inter  ornatis  ornatissiraae,  ab 
ilia  imo  amores  ita  suspiret  araicus.  Eheu  !  eheu!  lugeant 
mortales!  Eja  vero  gaudeunt  Coelestis,  Dulcis  ad  amplexus, 
Sociens  jam  Citharae  melos,  redit  pergrata,  en  iterum  soror  ; 
suaviusque  nil  manet  HOSANNIS. 

RICHARD  TICKELL,  Esq.  who  likewise  married  Miss 
Mary  Linley,  was  also  a  native  of  Bath.  He  was  a 
gentleman  of  small  property ;  but,  from  the  gaiety  of 
his  disposition,  the  whole  of  it  was  squandered  away 
at  a  very  early  period  of  his  life.  Mr.  TICKELL  had 
received  a  most  excellent  education,  and  was  reared  to 
the  Bar;  and,  like  his  brother-in-law,  (the  late  Richard 
Brinsley  Sheridan,  Esq.)  he  was  a  man  of  consider- 
able wit  and  talent ;  but  unfortunately  preferred  trust- 
ing to  his  genius  for  a  livelihood,  rather  than  following 
the  more  substantial  occupation  of  his  profession.  His 
connexion  with  the  booksellers,  at  one  time,  was  a 
principal  means  of  his  support ;  and  the  American 
war  also  afforded  Mr.  TICKELL  an  opportunity  of  ex- 
ercising his  abilities  in  favour  of  the  administration  of 
LORD  NORTH,  which,  being  noticed  by  that  nobleman's 
private  secretary,  ultimately  procured  him  a  pension 
of  o^SOO  per  annum,  and  a  place  in  the  Stamp-Office. 
This  favourable  turn  in  his  affairs  came  most  oppor- 
tunely for  him  to  perform  an  honourable  act  towards 
a  female,  by  whom  he  had  had  several  illegitimate 
children,  and  from  which  connexion  his  pecuniary  con- 
cerns were  considerably  embarrassed.  The  principal 
part  of  the  above  pension  he  settled  upon  the  female 
in  question,  in  order  to  bring  up  that  family.  Miss 
Mary  Linley  soon  afterwards  became  his  wife;  from 
which  marriage  three  children  were  the  issue ;  and 
notwithstanding  the  thoughtlessness  of  his  disposition, 
this  union  was  distinguished  for  the  greatest  harmony 
and  good-nature  towards  each  other;  but  she  died,  in 


LITERARY   PERSONS.  269 

the  flower  of  her  youth,  and  was  interred  in  the  Cathe- 
dral at  Wells.  In  1799,  Mr.  TICKELL  wrote  a  pam- 
phlet, intituled  "  Anticipation,''  in  support  of  the  then 
existing  Administration;  and  which  claimed  so  much 
the  attention  of  Government,  that  he  was  rewarded 
with  the  situation  of  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  the 
Stamp  Duties,  at  a  salary  of  o£500  a  year.  The  above 
pamphlet  was  spoken  of  at  the  time  as  possessing 
great  ability ;  and  his  gratitude  taught  him  to  follow  it 
up  with  several  other  similar  productions,  but  which 
did  not  display  an  equal  proportion  of  talent.  In  1781, 
Mr.  TICKELL  turned  his  attention  towards  the  stage, 
arid  produced  a  comic  opera,  in  three  acts,  called  "  The 
Carnival  of  Venice ;"  but  notwithstanding  the  splendor 
of  its  scenic  decorations,  and  assisted  by  the  charming 
music  of  the  Linleys,  it  scarcely  dragged  out  an  exist- 
ence during  the  season.  Allan  Ramsey's  "  Gentle 
Shepherd"  was  also  adapted  to  the  English  stage  by  Mr. 
TICKELL;  but  its  principal  claim  to  attraction  consisted 
in  the  delightful  Scotch  airs  which  were  added  to  it 
by  his  father-in-law.  In  other  respects  it  was  consi- 
dered defective,  no  symmetry  having  been  preserved 
in  cutting  down  the  various  characters.  A  few  Poems, 
published  by  Mr.  TICKELL,  were  much  admired  for 
their  taste  and  harmony  of  composition ;  and  he  was 
also  a  contributor  to  the  "  Probationary  Odes,"  a  po- 
litical satire.  It  is  said  of  Mr.  T.  that  he  was  not 
without  vanity,  but  possessed  ready  wit ;  thoughtless 
and  extravagant,  yet  good-natured,  generous,  and 
feeling;  and  his  manners  were  of  the  most  interesting 
and  pleasing  description.  In  a  fit  of  despondency,  he 
unhappily  threw  himself  out  of  a  window  at  Hampton 
Court  Palace,  and  was  killed  upon  the  spot,  in  No- 
vember, 1793.  Mr.  TICKELL  was  married  to  a  second 
wife,  (Miss  Leigh,)  and  who,  with  her  children,  was 
left  nearly  destitute  of  support ;  but,  by  the  exertion  and 
humanity  of  her  friends  the  above  children,  it  appears, 
have  since  been  handsomely  provided  for. 

Mr.    and    Mrs.    afterwards    Sir   JOHN    and    Lady 


270  LITERARY    PERSONS. 

MILLER,  had  purchased  in  Italy,  in  their  expedition 
thither,  (of  which  an  account  was  afterwards  publish- 
ed in  a  series  of  letters  by  Lady  M.)  an  antique  vase, 
dug  up,  in  the  year  1759,  at  Frescati.  This  was 
brought  home,  and  placed  in  their  villa  at  Batheaston, 
which  was  now  converted  into  the  temple  of  Apollo ; 
Mrs.  Miller  being  the  high-priestess,  and  the  vase  the 
shrine  of  the  deity.  A  general  invitation  was  then  issued 
to  all  the  sons  and  daughters  of  fashion  of  the  neigh- 
bouring city,  "  the  mob  of  gentlemen  who  wrote  with 
ease,"  and  the  still  more  numerous  mob,  \vhojancied 
they  could  write,  to  a  weekly  dies  festus,  to  be  held 
every  Friday,  (in  the  first  instance,  and  afterwards 
Thursday,)  at  Batheaston  Villa.  Here  the  company 
were  ushered  into  a  room,  where  they  found  the  old 
Etruscan  vase  placed  upon  a  modern  altar,  and  de- 
corated with  sprigs  of  laurel ;  and  as  each  gentleman 
or  lady  passed  the  venerable  relic,  an  offering  was 
made  of  some  original  composition  in  verse ;  at  first, 
merely  of  what  the  French  term  bouts  rimes,  or  rhym- 
ing terminations,  which  had  been  filled  up  by  the  can- 
didate for  poetical  fame;  but  afterwards  of  short  per- 
formances on  particular  subjects,  given  out  the  pre- 
ceding week.  The  assembly  having  all  contributed 
their  mor$eaux,  Mr.  Miller  selected  a  lady  from  the 
circle,  who,  dipping  her  fair  hand  into  the  vase,  drew 
the  papers  outf  par  hazard,  as  they  occurred,  and  gave 
them  to  a  gentleman  to  read  aloud.  This  process  being 
concluded,  a  select  committee  were  named  to  deter- 
'mine  upon  the  merits  of  the  pieces,  and  adjudge  the 
prizes ;  these  retired  into  an  adjoining  room,  and  fixed 
upon  the  four  best  productions — the  blushing  authors 
of  which,  when  they  had  identified  their  property  by 
naming  their  private  signatures,  were  presented  by  the 
high-priestess,  Mrs.  Miller,  with  a  fillet  of  myrtle,  and 
crowned  amidst  the  plaudits  of  the  company.  The 
most  sensible  feature  of  the  gala,  a  genteel  collation, 
concluded  the  business.  This  attic  pastime  continued 
for  several  years ;  till  the  wicked  wit  of  an  unknown 


LITERARY    PERSONS.  271 

wag  having  contaminated  the  purity  of  the  urn  by  some 
licentious  and  satyrical  compositions,  to  the  extreme 
horror  of  the  ladies  assembled  to  hear  the  productions 
recited,  and  the  equal  chagrin  of  the  host  and  hostess, 
who  expected  the  usual  weekly  tribute  of  adulatory 
compliment,  the  sacred  vessel  was  thenceforth  closed, 
and  the  meetings  were  discontinued  for  ever.  The 
world,  however,  is  in  possession  of  two  small  volumes 
of  the  effusions  which  occasionally  issued  from  it.* 

JOHN  PALMER,  Esq.  The  existence  of  a  character 
so  long  distinguished  by  its  various  excellencies,  in 
public  and  private  life,  ought  not  on  its  ceasing  to  be 
passed  over  amidst  the  ordinary  records  of  mortality* 
Endowed  with  a  mind  naturally  enlightened,  cultivated 
by  education,  and  improved  by  a  general  intercourse 
with  the  world,  Mr.  PALMER  soon  became  the  foun- 
der of  a  personal  reputation  and  fortune,  which  talents 
well  directed,  and  perseverance  inflexible,  can  only 
command.  The  important  reformation  in  the  esta- 
blishment of  the  Post  Office  by  mail  coaches,  &c.  to 
which  the  United  Kingdom  stands  so  highly  indebted 
for  the  present  facilities  of  its  correspondence,  and  the 
great  increase  of  the  public  revenue,  is  too  generally 
impressed  on  the  grateful  feelings  of  the  country  to 
require  any  recital.  While  the  public  were  enjoying 
the  benefits  of  his  meritorious  labours,  he  had  to  con- 
tend (till  within  these  few  years)  for  a  final  arrange- 
ment with  Government,  which  at  length,  through  le- 
gislative interference,  was  settled  by  the  payment  to 
him  of  o£50,000,  and  an  annuity  for  his  life  of  o£3000 
per  annum. 

The  private  life  of  Mr.  PALMER  was  early  marked 
by  a  display  of  abilities,  and  an  amiableness  of  man- 
ners, which  afforded  him  an  easy  introduction  to  the 
best  society.  The  Chancellor,  Lord  Camden,  the 
Marquis  of  Lansdowne,  Lord  Mansfield,  Mr.  Garrick, 
Sec.  &c.  were  amongst  those  who  sought  his  friendship. 

*  Warner. 


272  LITERARY  PERSONS. 

In  his  attachments,  he  was  warm  and  zealous ;  in  his 
general  dealings  with  mankind,  liberal  and  benevolent. 
He  was  returned  to  several  Parliaments  by  his  native 
city  (Bath),  an  honour  which,  on  his  retiring,  de- 
volved on  his  son,  Colonel  Palmer,  one  of  its  present 
representatives.  He  has  left  a  numerous  train  of 
friends  behind  him,  (many  of  them  of  high  distinction,) 
impressed  with  one  general  sentiment  of  regret  for  the 
loss  of  talents  so  useful,  and  private  worth  so  rare. 

WILLIAM  DIMOND,  Esq.  son  of  the  late  proprietor 
of  the  Bath  Theatre.  This  gentleman  is  a  native  of 
the  above  city,  and  received  his  education  under  Dr. 
Morgan.  He  afterwards  entered  himself  as  a  student 
in  the  Inner  Temple ;  but  his  mind  seems  to  have 
been  more  occupied  in  producing  pieces  for  the  Thea- 
tres than  in  poring  over  the  dry  study  of  the  law. 
His  productions,  although  light,  have  been  extremely 
successful;  several  of  them  having  had  a  long  run: 
the  Hunter  of  the  Alps,  in  particular,  has  been  much 
admired.  The  following  is  a  list  of  his  works  : 

Petrarcal  Sonnets  and  Miscellaneous  Poems,  8vo.  1800.  Sea-side 
Story,  a  dramatic  opera,  8vo.  1801.  The  Hero  of  the  North,  an  his- 
torical play,  1803.  The  Hunter  of  the  Alps,  a  drama,  1804.  Youth, 
Love,  and  Folly,  a  comic  opera,  1805.  Adrian  and  Orrilla,  a  play, 
1806.  The  Young  Hessian,  an  operatic  piece,  1807.  The  Foundling 
of  the  Forest,  a  play,  1809.  The  Doubtful  Son,  a  play,  1810.  The 
Peasant  Boy,  an  opera,  1811.  The  Royal  Oak,  an  historical  play,  1811. 
The  .Sthiop,  a  romantic  play,  1813.  The  Bride  of  Abydos,  1818. 

The  Rev.  RICHARD  WARNER,  curate  of  St.  James's 
Parish,  at  Bath,  and  rector  of  Great  Chatfield,  Wilts, 
is  a  native  of  Lymington,  in  Hampshire ;  but  from  his 
long  residence  in  the  above  city,  where  he  has  distin- 
guished himself  with  so  much  ability  in  his  preaching  j 
the  zeal  and  industry  he  has  also  displayed  in  extend- 
ing the  various  charitable  institutions;  and  his  volu- 
minous History  of  Bath ;  its  Antiquities,  &c.  that  this 
work  must  appear  incomplete,  without  an  honourable 
mention  of  the  exertions  of  this  reverend  gentleman 
towards  rendering  the  City  of  Bath  even  more  attrac- 
tive. The  following  is  a  list  of  his  numerous  publica- 
tions : 


LITERARY    PERSONS.  273 

Hampshire,  extracted  from  the  Doomsday  Book,  with  a 'transla- 
tion, 4to.  1789.  A  Companion  in  a  Tour  round  Lymington,  Svo. 
1790.  An  Attempt  to  ascertain  the  Situation  of  the  Ancient  Clausen- 
turn,  8vo.  1792.  Topographical  Remarks  relating  to  the  South 
Western  Parts  of  Hampshire,  with  a  descriptive  Poem,  2  vols.  8vo. 
1793.  The  History  of  the  Isle  of  Wight,  Military,  Ecclesiastical,  Civil, 
and  Natural,  8vo.  1793.  Collections  for  the  History  of  Hampshire  and 
the  Bishopric  of  Winchester,  6  vol.  8vo.  An  Illustration  of  the  Roman 
Antiquities  discovered  at  Bath,  4to.  1797.  A  Walk  through  Wales, 
8vo.  179&-  A  second  Walk  through  Wales,  Svo.  1799.  A  Walkthrough 
some  of  the  Western  Counties  of  England,  8vo.  1800.  The  History  of 
Bath,  4to.  1801.  Excursions  from  Bath,  8vo.  1801.  A  Tour  through 
the  Northern  Counties  of  England,  and  the  Borders  of  Scotland, 
2  vols.  Svo.  1802.  An  Historical  and  Descriptive  Account  of  Bath  and 
Hs  Environ?,  l^mo.  1802.  Practical  Discourses,  2  vol.  1803.  W-ar 
inconsistent  with  Christianity,  a  Fast  Sermon,  Svo.  1804.  The  En- 
glish Diatessaron,  or  the  History  of  Christ  from  the  Compounded 
Texts  of  the  Four  Evangelists,  Svo.  1804.  National  Blessings  Reasons 
for  Religious  Gratitude,  a  Thanksgiving  Sermon,  Svo.  1805.  The 
Overflowings  of  Ungodliness,  a  Sermon,  Svo.  1806.  The  Book  of 
Common  Prayer,  together  with  the  Psalter,  with  an  Introduction, 
Svo.  1806.  Pleasure,  its  Tendency  to  deprave  the  Understanding,  the 
Heart,  and  the  Religious  Principles,  a  Fast  Sermon,  8vo.  180?.  A 
Tour  through  Cornwall,  Svo.  1809.  Scripture  Characters,  in  a  Series 
of  Sermons,  2vol.  I2mo.  1810.  The  Duties  of  the  Clergy,  a  Sermon 
preached  at  the  Visitation  of  the  Archdeacon,  Svo.  1810.  New  Guide 
through  Bath,  12mo.  "1«12.  The  Claims  of  the  British  and  Foreign 
Bible  Society  to  the  Support  of  the  Public,  Svo.  1812.  The  Spiritual 
Danger  of  an  Opposition  to  the  Bible  Society,  1812.  Excursions 
through  Wiltshire,  Svo. — Walks  through  Somersetshire,  8vo. 

Miss  WARNER,  daughter  of  the  above  clergyman, 
has  written  a  novel,  intituled  Herbert  Lodge,  3  vol. 
12rno,  1810.  This  young  lady  has  also  edited  3  vol. 
of  Original  Letters. 

Dr.  HARRINGTON  was  not  only  celebrated  as  an 
eminent  physician  at  Bath,  but  also  distinguished  for 
his  delightful  productions  in  poetry  and  music.  The 
doctor  was  a  native  of  Kelston,  in  Somersetshire,  and 
born  in  1727  ;  and  received  his  education  in  his  father's 
house,  under  the  tuition  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Fothergill, 
and  at  Queen's  College,  Oxford,  of  which  he  was  en- 
tered in  1745.  In  1753  he  commenced  his  profession 
at  Wells,  but  soon  removed  his  practice  to  Bath, 
where  he  continued  to  reside  till  his  death.  Dr.  HAR- 
RINGTON served  the  office  of  mayor,  and  continued  a 
magistrate  for  many  years.  He  had  also  the  honour  of 

T 


274  LITERARY   PERSONS. 

being  the  founder  of  the  Harmonic  Society  at  Bath ; 
and  as  a  composer,  it  is  said,  he  was  second  to  no 
modern  English  musician.  His  style  of  composition 
not  only  evinced  great  variety  of  talent,  but  was  ex- 
cellent in  every  department;  and  however  dignified 
and  impressive  in  the  grand,  solemn,  and  pathetic, 
he  was  equally  great  in  the  lively,  gay,  and  ridiculous. 
His  serious  trios  were  beautiful ;  and  when  he  was  up- 
wards of  seventy  years  of  age,  he  composed  that  cele- 
brated piece  of  sacred  music,  so  universally  admired 
by  the  lovers  of  harmony  for  three  voices,  called  the 
Passion  of  Christ,  taken  from  the  words  of  the  Evan- 
gelist, Eloi,  Eloi,  &c.  and  but  a  very  short  time  pre- 
vious to  his  decease,  although  suffering  under  a  severe 
attack  of  the  gout,  he  went  to  the  rooms  to  hear  it 
sung  by  Bra/iam.  The  justice  done  by  this  incompa- 
rable singer  to  the  Doctor's  music  affected  his  feelings 
so  strongly,  that  tears  only  relieved  him.  Many  beau- 
tiful fugitive  productions  have  issued  from  his  pen. 
He  was  also  the  author  of  How  szceet  in  the  Woodland*  ; 
Go,  false  Damon.,  &c.  &c.  In  short,  for  upwards  of 
fifty  years  he  was  the  avowed  patron  of  music  at 
Bath,  and  looked  up  to  as  the  principal  leader  in  all 
the  musical  (inks.  His  eldest  son,  Sir  Edward,  who 
was  knighted  on  presenting  an  address  to  the  King,  in 
his  official  capacity  of  mayor  of  his  native  city,  died 
a  few  years  before  him.  The  following  is  a  list  of  his 
works : — 

Nugae  Amiquse,  being  a  Miscellaneous  Collection  of  Original  Papers, 
in  prose  and  verse,  -written  (by  his  ancestors  and  correspondents)  in 
the  reigns  of  Hen.  VIII.  Edw.  VI.  Mary,  Eliz.  and  James  I.  8vo. 
1769,  2d  edit.  2  vol.  1775.  The  Geometrical  Analogy  of  the  Doctrine 
of  the  Trinity  consonant  to  Human  Reason,  1806,  4to. 

CALEB  HILLIER  PARRY,  M.D.  F.R.S.  one  of  the 
Physicians  of  the  General  Hospital  at  Bath,  and  also 
a  Member  of  the  Royal  College  of  Physicians,  London. 
He  has  published, 

An  Inquiry  into  the  Symptoms  and  Causes  of  the  Syncope  Angi- 
nosa,  commonly  called  Angina  Pectoris,  8vo.  1799.  Facts  and  Ob- 
servations tending  to  show  the  Practicability  and  Advantage  of  pro- 
ducing in  the  British  Isles  Clothing  Wool  equal  to  that  of  Spain ; 


LITERARY    PERSONS.  275 

together  with  some  Hints  towards  the  Management  of  fine-woolled 
Sheep,  4to.  1800. 

Dr.  PARRY,  besides  the  above  works,  has  also  con- 
tributed various  Papers  in  the  Bath  Agricultural  So- 
ciety's Collections,  the  Memoirs  of  the  Medical 
Society  of  London,  and  other  Miscellaneous  Produc- 
tions. 

CHARITY  HENRY  PARRY,  M.D.  F.Il.S.  and 
B.C.J.  of  St.  Edmund's  Hall,  Oxford;  also  Member 
of  the  Physical  Society  at  Gottingen.  This  gentleman 
is  a  native  of  Bath,  and  son  of  the  preceding  physi- 
cian. His  works  are, 

De  Graecarum  atqne  Romanarum  Religionum  ad  mores  formandos 
vi  et  efficacia  Commentatio.  In  concert.  ciTium  Acad.  Georgia  Au- 
gustae,  die  iv.  Jun.  1789.  ah  ord.  Ampliss.  Philosoph.  loco  secundo 
victrix  pronunciata.  Getting.  4to.  1799.  G.  C.  Reich  on  Fever  and 
its  Treatment  in  general,  translated  into  English,  8vo.  1801.  Cases  of 
Tetanus  and  Rabies  Contagioso,  or  Canine  Hydrophobia,  8ro.  1814. 

In  the  year  1800  a  PUBLIC  LIBRARY  was  esta- 
blished, principally  intended  to  include  only  books  of 
science,  and  works  of  great  expense ;  so  as  not  to  in- 
terfere with  the  Circulating  l/tbrarics. 

The  PHILOSOPHICAL  and  LITERARY  INSTITUTION 
was  established  in  1799.  See  page  104.  No  works, 
it  appears,  have  been  published  by  this  Society. 

There  are  always  on  sale,  extensive  and  valuable 
collections  of  books  in  every  department  of  literature 
at  Bath ;  and  all  the  modern  publications  are  to  be 
procured  with  nearly  the  same  ease  and  facility  as  in 
London ;  the  booksellers  being  of  the  most  respecta- 
ble description.  The  shops,  in  general,  are  capacious 
and  elegant.  There  are  also  several  Printing-Offices 
in  Bath. 


276      COACHES  FROM  BATH  TO  LONDON,  &C. 

COACHES  from  the  following  Inns  at  BATH  to 
LONDON. 

YORK-HOUSE. — Four  insidcs,  at  6  o'clock  every  morning. 

The  Regent,  through  Chippenham,  Calne,  Marl- 
borough,  Newbury,  and  Reading,  at  a  quarter  before  3  every 
afternoon. 

WHITE  HART.— Four  insides,  through  Newbury  and  Reading,  at  6 
every  morning,  (ex.  Sunday). 

Four  insides,  in  two  days,  stops  at  Newbury,  at  9 

every  morning,  (ex.  Sunday). 

.., Four  insides,  through  Devizes,  Marlborough,  New- 
bury, and  Reading,  at  4  every  afternoon. 

WHITE  LION. —  Original  Day  Coach,  through  Chippenham,  Calne, 
Marlborough,  Newbury,  and  Reading,  at  6  every  morning. 

Four  insides,  by  the  same  road,  at  2  every  aftern. 

LAMB.— Royal  Mail,  (Exeter,)  through  Devizes,  at  5  every  evening. 

Royal  Mail,  (Bristol,)  through  Chippenham,  about  25  mi- 
nutes past  5  every  evening. 

GREYHOUND.— A  Coach,  (ex.  Sunday,)  at  4  every  afternoon. 

CASTLE.— A  Coach,  at  half  past  6  every  morning. 

FROMONT  and  Co.— The  Regulator,  at  half  past  6  every  morning. 

A  Coach,  through  Milksham,  Devizes,  and 

Marlborough,  at  half  past  12  every  day. 

A  Coach,  through  Chippenham,  Calne,  and 

Marlborough,  at  a  quarter  before  3  every  afternoon. 

To  BRISTOL,  CLIFTON,  and  WESTON  SUPER- 
MARE. 

YORK-HOUSE.— At  half  past  8  and  9  every  morning  (ex.  Sunday) 

to  Bristoh 
WHITE  HART. — At  8  and  10  in  the  morning,  and  at  3  and  4  in  the 

afternoon,  to  Bristol. 
To  Clifton,  (ex.  Sunday,)  at  10  in  the  morning,  and 

3  in  the  afternoon. 
WHITE  LION.— At  a  quarter  before  9,  and  at  11  every  morning,  to 

Bristol. 

At  l  every  day  (ex.  Sunday)  to  Bristol. 

At  3,  4,  and  5  every  afternoon  to  Bristol. 
At  7  every  evening  (ex.  Sunday)  to  Bristol. 
LAMB.— A  Mail  to  Bristol,  where  it  meets  the  Welsh  Mail,  at  half 

past  9  every  morning. 

A  Coach  to  Bristol  at  11  every  morning. 

At  a  quarter  before  3  every  afternoon  to  Clifton. 

At  7  every  evening  to  Bristol. 

GREYHOUND.— At  half  past  3  every  afternoon  (ex.  Sunday)  to 

Bristol  and  Clifton. 
GREYHOUND.— At  half  past  6  and  at  7  every  evening  to  Bristol  and 

Clifton. 
FROMONT  and  Co.— At  half  past  8  and  9  every  morning,  at  12  every 

day,  and  at  8  every  evening,  to  Bristol. 
CASTLE.— At  9  every  morning  (ex.  Sunday)  to  Bristol. 

At  12  every  day,  (ex.  Sunday,)  when  it  goes  at  C  in  th* 

evening  to  Bristol. 

At  6  every  evening  (ex.  Sunday)  to  Bristol. 

At  8  every  evening  (ex.  Sunday)  to  Bristol.      Alternately 

from  the  Christopher. 


COACHES  FROM  BATH  TO  OXFORD,  &C.     277 

GOLDEN  LION. — At  8,  9,  and  12  every  morning  ;  at  half  past  l,  at 

3,  6,  and  7,  every  afternoon  to  Bristol. 
At  a  quarter  before  4  every  afternoon  to  Bristol 

and  Clifton. 
A  Coacln,  at  12  every  Monday,  Wednesday,  and 

Saturday  morning  to  Weston-Super-Mare. 
CHRISTOPHER.— At  4  every  afternoon  to  Bristol. 
ANGEL.— The  Patent  Coach,  built  on  Capt.  Wyke's  plan  for  safety, 

at  9  every  morning,  to  Bristol. 

To  OXFORD,  4-c. 

YORK  HOUSE.— Through  Tetbury,  Cirencester,  &c.  at  9  every  Tues- 
day, Thursday,  and  Saturday  morning. 

WHITE  HART.— A  Mail  to  Oxford,  by  the  same  road,  at  half  past 
9  every  morning. 

To  WARMINSTER,  SIIAFTESBURY,   POOLE, 

SALISBURY,  SOUTHAMPTON,  PORTSMOUTH, 

GOSPORT,  4-c. 

WHITE  HART.— A  Mail  to  Portsmouth,  through  Salisbury  and 
Southampton,  at  5  every  afternoon. 

A  Coach  to  Southampton,  at9  on  Monday,  Wed- 
nesday, and  Friday  mornings. 

To  Gosport,    through    Salisbury,    Ramsey,    and 

Southampton,  at  7  on  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday  morn. 

GREYHOUND.-— To  Poole,  through  Warminster,  Shaftcsbury, 
Blandford,  and  Wimbourne,  at  a  quarter  before  10  every 
Monday,  Wednesday,  and  Friday  morning. 

To  FROME,  WEYMOUTH,  4-c. 

YORK-HOUSE.— Toms's  Coach  to  Weymouth,  at  7  on  Monday, 
Wednesday,  and  Friday  mornings. 

WHITE  HART.— To  Weymouth,  on  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Satur- 
day mornings,  at  7. 

A  Coach  to  Frome,  at  7  on  Tuesday  and  Friday 

evenings. 

CASTLE.— To  Trowbridge,  at  6  every  evening,  (ex.  Sunday). 

FROMONT  and  Co. — A  Coach  to  Bradford  and  Trowbridge,  at  6 
every  evening,  (ex.  Sunday). 

COACHES  WESTWARD. 

YORK-HOUSE.— The  Subscription  Coach  to  Exeter,  through  Shep- 
ton  Mallet,  Ilchester,  Ilminster,  and  Honiton,  where  it  meets 
the  Sidmouth  Coaches,  at  8  every  morning. 

WHITE  HART.— To  Exeter,  at  8  every  morning,  (ex.  Sunday,) 
where  it  meets  the  Falmouth  and  Plymouth  Coaches. 

LAMB. — A  Mail  through  Taunton,  Bridgewater,  &c.  to  Exeter,  Ply- 
mouth, and  Falmouth,  at  10  every  morning. 

GOLDEN  LION — A  Coach  to  Exeter,  through  Wells,  Somerton, 
Langport,  Ilminster,  Chard,  Axminster,  Lyme,  Honiton,  and 
Sidmouth,  at  6  in  the  morning,  on  Monday,  Wednesday,  and 
Saturday. 

FROMONT  and  Co.— To  Falmouth,  through  Bridgewater,  Taunlon, 
Tiverton,  Exeter,  Plymouth,  &c.  at  half  past  8  every  morning. 

To  South  Moltonand  Barnstaple,  at  half  past 

8  every  Monday,  Wednesday,  and  Friday  morning. 


278      CARAVANS,  &C.  TO  AND  FROM  BATH. 
NORTHWARD. 

YORK-HOUSE.— A  Coach  to  Birmingham,  by  the  new  road,  through 

Evesham  and  Alcester,  where  it  meets  all  the  North  Country 

Coaches,  at  a  quarter  before  7  on  Monday,  Wednesday,  and 

Friday  mornings. 
To  Leamington  and  Warwick,  through  Stratford 

on  Avon,  at  a  quarter  before  7  also  on  Monday,  Wednesday, 

and  Friday  mornings. 
To  Cheltenham,  through  Redborough  and  Stroud, 

at  a  quarter  before  7  on  the  above  mornings. 
To  Cheltenham,  through  Gloucester,  at  half  past 

8  on  Tuesday,Thursday,  and  Saturday  mornings. 
To  Shrewsbury  and  Ho  yhead,  at  a  quarter  past's 

on  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday  mornings. 
WHITE  HART.— A  Coach,  at  6  every  morning,   to  Birmingham, 

where  it  meets  the  Manchester,   Liverpool,  and  all  the  North 

Country  Coaches. 
To  Cheltenham,  through  Gloucester,  at  6  every 

Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday;  and  at  9  every  Monday, 

Wednesday,  and  Friday  morning. 
To  Holyhead,     through  Gloucester,   Worcester, 

and  Shrewsbury,  every  Monday,  Wednesday,  and  Friday,  at  9. 

CARAVANS,  4-c. 

That  arrive  in  the  course  of  the  week  at  the  following  Inns:  GEORGE, 
Walcot- Street;  SARACEN'S  HEAD,  Broad- Street ;  THREE 
CUPS,  Nor  thgate- Street;  NEW  INN,  Horse- Street ;  BELL, 
Walcot- Street;  FULL  MOON,  Old  Bridge;  GOLDEN  LION, 
Horse- Street. 

On  the  BRISTOL  ROAD. 

THREE  CUPS.— From  Britton,  Freeman's  Cart  arrives  on  Wednes- 
day and  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  evenings. 

.„ From  Keynsham,  Freeman's  Cart,  on  Monday  and 

Thursday,  and  returns  the  same  days. 

PACK-HORSE.— Hewitt's  Caravan  goes  to  Bristol  on  Monday, 
Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday,  and  returns  on  the  same 
days. 

On  the  CH1PPENHAM  ROAD. 

BELL.— From  Malmesbury,  Spencer's  Cart  arrives  every  Friday 
evening,  and  returns  on  Saturday  morning. 

Taylor's  Cart,  from  Milksham,  on  Wednesday  and  Satur- 
day, and  returns  the  same  days. 

From  Corsham,  Porter's  Cart  arrives  on  Wednesday  and 

Saturday,  and  returns  on  the  same  days. 

THREE  CUPS.— From  Chippenham,  Day's  Caravan  arrives  on  Wed- 
nesday and  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  days. 

Pritchard's  Cart,  from  Corsham,  on  Wednesday 

and  Saturday  mornings,  and  returns  the  same  evenings. 

GEORGE. — From  Nettleton,  Strange,  on  Wednesday  and  Friday. 

Knight's  Cart,  from  Enford,  arrives  on  Wednesday,  and 

returns  the  same  day. 

PELICAN. — Bailey's  Caravan,  from  Chippenham,  on  Wednesday 
and  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  days. 


CARAVANS,  &C.  TO  AND  FROM  BATH.     279 

PACK-HORSE.— From  Lacock,  Branes's  Cart  arrives  on  Wednes- 
day and  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  days. 

Dickman's  Cart,  from  Castlecombe,  arrives  on 

Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  day. 

From  Corsham,  Smith's  Cart,  arrives  Wednesday 

and  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  evenings. 

Salter's  Cart,  from  Chippenham,  arrives  Monday, 

Wednesday,  and  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  evenings. 

On  the  \YK.U>    ROAD. 

NEW  INN. --From  Glastonbury,  Wells,  &c.  Browning's  Caravan 
arrives  on  Wednesday,  and  returns  on  Thursday  morning. 

GOLDEN  LION.— Grandfield's  Light  Cart,  from  Wellington,  Mine- 
head,  and  Dunstor,  arrives  on  Friday,  and  returns  on  Monday 
through  Bristol  and  Cross  to  the  same  places. 

THREE  CUPS.-— From  Curry- Hivell,  through  Wells,  Somerton,  and 
Langport,  Virgin's  Caravan  arrives  at  2  on  Thursday,  and  re- 
turns on  Friday  morning  at  8. 

FULL  MOON — Gingcll's  Caravan,  from  Shepton,  arrives  on  Tuesday 
and  Friday  evenings,  and  returns  the  following  days. 

PACK  KOKSK.  — From  Wtdmore  and  adjacent  places,  Chapman's 
Cart  urrivrs  on  Saturday,  and  returns  the  sanu 

On  tin  CLOIVKSTKII  ROAD. 

GEORGE.— From  Wnttou-undor-edge,  Blizzard'.*  Cart  arrives  on 
Wednesday  evening,  and  returns  on  Thur-d..y  morning. 

Wiltshire's  Cart,  from  Tarmarton,  arrives  Wedntsday 

and  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  days. 

THREE  CUPS.— From  Malmshury,  Tetbury,  Cirencester,  Glouces- 
ter, and  ChclU'iiham,  Arnold's  Caravan  arrives  on  Tuesday 
evening,  and  returns  in  the  evening  on  Wednesday. 

BELL.— White's  Cart,  from  Tarmarton,  arrives  and  returns  on  Tues- 
day. 

From  Acton-Turvill,  Brown's  Cart,  arrives  and  returns  on 

Saturday. 

PELICAN.— Quarrington's  Caravan,  from  Gloucester,  Rodborough, 
&c.  arrives  on  Tuesday  evening,  and  returns  on  Wednesday 
morning. 

On  the  DEVIZES  ROAD. 

THREE  CUPS.— Knott's  Cart,  from  Lacock,  arrives  Wednesday 
and  Saturday,  and  returns  on  the  same  evenings. 

From  Devizes,  Giddon's  Cart  arrives  on  Friday 

and  returns  on  Saturday. 

Barett's  Light  Cart  from  Storndon  arrives  on 

Monday,  and  returns  on  Tuesday  morning. 

On  the  TROWBRIDGE,  FROME,  WARMINSTER, 
WINCAN10N,  and  WEYMOUTH  ROADS. 

GOLDEN  LION  — From  Weymouth,  Dorchester,  Sherborne,  Win- 
canton,  &c.  through  Frome,  Wadman's  Light  Cart  arrives  on 
Thursday,  and  returns  on  Saturday. 

Read's  Caravan,  from  Berkington,  arrives  on  Tues- 
day and  Saturday,  and  returiij  on  the  same  days. 


•280  WAGGONS  TO  AND  FROM  BATH. 

GOLDEN  LION. — From  Frome,  Freeman's  Cart  arrives  every  Tues- 
day, Thursday,  and  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  evenings. 

White's  Caravan,  from  Shaftesbury,  Hindoo, 

Blandford,  Poole,  &c.  arrives  on  Tuesday  night,  and  returns 
on  Wednesday  afternoon. 

From  Warminster,  Warren's  Caravan  arrives 

every  Wednesday  and  Saturday,  and  returns  on  the  same  days. 

Lucas's  Caravan,  from  Bradford  and  Trowbridge, 

arrives  every  Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday,  and  returns  on 
the  same  days. 

From  Westbury,  Trowbridge,  and  Bradford, 

Philip's  Light  Cart  arrives  every  Monday  and  Saturday  at  1,  and 
returns  the  same  evening  at  4. 

Turner's  Caravan,  from  Somerset,  Largeport,  II- 

minster,  Chard,  and  Lyme,  arrives  every  Tuesday,  and  returns 
the  same  morning. 

PELICAN— From  Yeoval  and  Wincanton,  Shepherd's  Caravan  ar- 
rives every  Tuesday,  and  returns  every  Thursday. 

Hooper's  Light  Cart,  from  Trowbridge,  arrives  every 

Tuesday  and  Thursday,  and  returns  on  Wednesday  and  Sa- 
turday. 

PACK-HORSE.— From  Westbury,  through  Warminster,  Salisbury, 
&c.  Applegate's  Light  Cart  arrives  on  Monday,  Wednesday, 
and  Friday,  and  returns  the  following  mornings. 

Smith's  Cart,  from  Urchfont,  arrives  on  Friday, 

and  returns  on  Saturday. 

NEW  INN.— From  Frome,  Holloway's  Light  Cart  arrives  on  Wed- 
nesday and  Friday,  and  returns  on  the  same  evenings. 

Ribbick's  Light  Cart,  from  Hindon,  arrives  on  Wed- 
nesday, and  returns  on  Thursday. 

From  Cricklade,  through  Warminster,  &c.  Bright's 

Light  Cart  arrives  on  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  day. 

West's  Light  Cart,  from  Frome,  arriveson  Wednesday, 

and  returns  the  same  day. 

FULL  MOON.— Herridge's  Caravan,  from  Warminster,  arrives  on 
Tuesday,  Thursday,  and  Saturday,  and  returns  on  the  same 
days. 

From  Deptford,  Cliffs  Caravan  arrives  and  returns 

on  Saturday. 

Miles's  Caravan,  from  Shuten,  arrives  on  Friday, 

and  returns  the  next  day. 

From  Warminster,  Parry's  Caravan  arrives  on 

Saturday,  and  returns  the  same.  day. 

THREE  CUPS.— Deson's  Cart,  from  Bradford,  arrives  on  Wednes- 
day and  Saturday,  and  returns  the  same  evenings. 

BELL.— From  Westbury,  Townsend's  Light  Cart  arrives  on  Wed- 
nesday and  Saturday,  and  returns  on  the  same  days. 

Lam  perl's  Cart,  from  Mere,  Dorset,  &c.  arrives  on  Friday, 

and  returns  on  the  same  day. 

GEORGE — From  Stourton,  Norris's  Cart  arrives  and  returns  on 
Saturday. 


WAGGONS. 

SAW-CLOSE. — Symes  and  Mitchell's  Fly  Waggons  set  out  daily  to 
Bristol  and  London,  from  their  warehouse  as  above.  Offices 
in  Bristol,  in  Peter-Street,  and  Narrow  Wine-Street;  and  in 
London,  at  69,  Old  Bailey;  they  also  call  at  the  New  White 
Horse  Cellar,  and  P,lack  Bear,  Piccadilly. 


WATER  CARRIAGE  TO  AND  FROM  BATH.     281 

THREE  CUPS,  BATH.— E.  L.  Lye's  Fly-Waggons  daily  from  his 
warehouse  on  Wednesday  and  Saturday  ;  and  from  the  Angel 
Inn,  Fleet-Market,  London,  through  Warminster  to  Bath. 
His  Warminster,  Bristol,  Bath,  and  Salisbury  Common  Stage 
Waggons,  go  from  the  Bunch  of  Grapes,  St.  Thomas- Street, 
Bristol,  every  day  in  the  week,  for  Warminster,  Heytesbury, 
Codford,  Hindon,  Tisbury,  Shaftcsbury,  &c.  call  at  his  Ware- 
house, the  Three  Cups,  Northgate-Street,  Bath;  and  arrive  at 
the  Warehouse  near  the  Red  Lion,  Milford-Street,  Salisbury, 
every  Monday,  Wednesday,  and  Friday  evening.  Return  for 
Bristol  the  next  morning. 

LADY  MEAD,  WALCOT,  No.  10.— Ballinger's  Fly-Waggon  every 
Monday  morning,  through  Rodborough  and  Gloucester,  to  the 
Crown  Inn,  Cheltenham  ;  leave*  Cheltenham  on  the  Wednesday 
following,  and  returns  to  Bath  early  on  Thursday.  Also  a  Wag- 
gon to  the  White  Lion,  Thomas-Street,  Bristol,  every  Satur- 
day, and  returns  the  same  evening. 

SALMON'S  OFFICE,  CORN-STREET,  No. so.— Smith  and  Cockey's 
Waggons  to  Warminster,  Salisbury,  Southampton,  Gosport, 
Portsmouth,  and  all  parts  of  Hampshire,  every  Tuesday  and 
Friday. 

Thomas  Smith  and 

Co.'s  Fly-Waggons,  through  Amesbury,  Andover,  and  Basing- 
stoke,  to  the  White  Horse  Inn,  Cripplegate,  London,  every 
Wednesday  and  Saturday. 

James  Hann's  Wag- 
gons to  Shaftesbury  and  places  adjacent,  twice  a  week,  days 
uncertain. 

Original  Daily  Wag- 
gon, every  morning  at  8  o'clock,  to  the  Bell  Inn,  St.  Thomas- 
street,  Bristol,  and  to  the  Hotwells  and  Clifton,  and  returns  to 
Bath  the  same  evening. 

J.  G.  Ames  and  Co.'s 

Conveyance,  via  Gloucester,  to  their  Warehouses,  Duke's 
Dock,  Liverpool,  and  Castle-Fields,  Manchester,  three  times 
a  week. 

LITTLE  CORN-STREET,  No.  15.— Wm.  Morrish's  Daily  Waggons 
to  the  Crab's  Well,  Temple-Street,  Bristol. 

Cruttwell's  Fly-Waggons  leave 

his  Warehouses,  in  Bath  and  London,  every  Saturday  at  3,  and 
Wednesday  evening  at  7,  and  arrive  in  London  and  Bath  on 
Wednesday  and  Saturday  mornings  early. 

Slow  Waggons  every  day,  (ex. 

Sunday,)  and  arrive  in  London  in  five  days;  return  for  Bath 
and  Bristol  the  following  morning.  The  Waggons  set  up  at  the 
White  Swan,  Holborn-Bridge,  London,  and  call  at  the  New 
Black  Bear,  and  Old  White-Horse  Cellar,  Piccadilly.  All  goods 
intended  for  the  Fly-Waggon  on  Sunday  must  be  brought  in 
on  Saturday  evening  by  9.  The  same  Waggons  go  to  and 
from  his  Warehouse  in  Charlotte-Street,  Queen-Square, 
Bristol. 

WATER  CARRIAGE. 

The  Kennet  and  Avon  affords  a  direct  communication  with  London; 
and  Goods  are  regularly  conveyed  from  the  following  Ware- 
houses : — 

SALMON'S  OFFICE,  CORN-STREET,  No.  20— Charles  Heale  and 
Co.'s  Kennet  and  Avon  Canal  Barges,  to  and  from  the  Queen- 
hithe  Wharf,  Upper  Thames-Street,  London,  every  week. 

QUAY.— John  Salmon  to  Kennet  Wharf,  London. 


282      ITINERARY  OF  THE  PRINCIPAL  ROADS. 

ST.  JAMES'S  PARADE.— Euclid,  Shaw,  and  Co.  to  Bull  Wharf, 

London. 
KENNET   AND    AVON    WHARF — Baker,     to  Brooke's  Wharf, 

Thames-Street,  London. 
Small  Parcels  are  also  conveyed  by  the  Newsmen  to  most  of  the 

towns,  villages,  and  gentlemen's  seats,  at  reasonable  distance*, 

in  the  counties  of  Somerset,  Wilts,  and  Gloucester. 


ITINERARY  of  the  principal  ROADS  from  BATH. 


Bathford  '2} 

Cheltenham      

18 
44 

14 
3 
6 
10 
7 
3 
9 
8 
10 

69 

*68 
13 
13 
16 
13 
11 

134 

39 
16 
8 
63 

68 
20 

"sT 

38 
16 
13 
16 
9 
11 
12 
8 

123 

7 
IS 

7 

Melksham                                     8i 

To  Oxford. 
Petty  France   

Devizes                                           8 

Marlborougli      .                         14 

London  described  as  before  .  .  74 

Kvf 
To  Clifton. 
Twerton  2 

Tetbury 

Cirencester     ..          

Fairford  

Saltford                                          3 

Bnslington   3 

Kingston  Inn  

Bristol   2 

Oxford  

Clifton                                            l 

To  Birmingham  and  Derby 
Worcester          .  . 

TF 
To  Bristol,  by  the  Upper  Road. 
Kelston                                        3 

Bromsgrove    

Bitton  3 

Birmingham    

Hanham  2| 
Bristol  3 

Litchfield   
Burton-upon-Trent  

HI 
To  Holt/head,  through  Gloucester, 
Worcester,  and  Shrewsbury. 
Cross  Hands    11 
Petty  France  3 

Derby    

To  Winchester. 
Salisbury    .... 

Stockbridge    

Winchester 

Rodborough          .                       la 

To  Portsmouth. 

Gloucester  12 

Upton     16 

Kidderminster      .    ..                 14 

Through   Fareham  to  Ports- 
mouth   

Wenlock    8 

To  Brighton. 
Salisbury  . 

Shrewsbury                                  14 

Oswestry     is 

Llangollen  12 

Corwen   10 

Botley 

Kernoige                                      13 

Bettws    10 

Capel  Currig    11 

Bangor  Ferry  18 

The  Pad 

Gwynda  12$ 
Holy  head  12  \ 

Brighton    

Old  Road  to  Weymouth. 
Radstoke  

23~T 
To  Cheltenlutm. 
Cross  Hands  11 
Petty  France  3 

Cannard's  Grave  
Ansford  Inn  ... 

ITINERARY  OF  THE  PRINCIPAL  ROADS.    283 


11 
18 

Pontarddyllais  

9 
17 
16 
4 
10 
8 

164* 
"aun- 

7 

Carmarthen  

8 

"eT 

13 
10 
12 
18 

8 

Tavern-spite  

New  Road  to  fVeymouth. 

Narbeth                             .    . 

H  averfordwes  t  
Milford-Haven 

To  Plymouth,  thrnuzhJrcll*,  1 
ton,  and  Exeter. 
Radstock 

Weymouth  

61 
To  Southampton,  through  Salisbury. 
Beckington         10 

Old  Down 

6 
.     6 

Wells                

6 

•     4* 

101 

Warminster  

6 
3 

3 
3 
3 
2 

0 

(i 
4 
4 
8 

« 

#T 

New 
12 

Q\»«*W    t        

Hey  tesbury  

.   14 

Knooke                       

Wellington 

Codford 

Depttbrd  Inn  

.     8 

3 

Staple-ford        

,,ia              

g 

Newton  

10 

Salisbury                             

10 

Alderbury  

Brent                            

.     7 

White  Parish    

16 

To  Truro  and  Falrnouth. 

125~ 
.   84 

To  Mil  ford-  Haven,    by    the 
Passage,  Swansea,  $r. 
Bristol  

.    11 
11 

Lifton  

16 
.     4 

Black  Rock  Inn  
Newport  
Cardiff  

121 
3 
14} 

•    1't 

Five  Lanes'  End  
Bodmin  
Mitchell    

,      8 
13 

if- 
7 

Cowbridge   
Pyle  
Neath  
Swansea  

i*4 

12 
.    13 
.     9 

Penryn    
Falmouth  

,     9 
t 

180~ 

Bath  has  two  FAIRS,  one  of  which  is  held  on  the 
11  th  of  February,  and  the  other  on  the  10th  of 
July. 


INDEX. 


Addison,  death  of,  4. 
Aylesbury,  Earl  of,  24. 
Albemarle  Buildings,  33. 
Antiquities,  found,  42. 
Attorneys,  58. 
Attractions  of  Bath  without 

sameness,  65. 
Abbey-Gate-street,  94. 
Abbey-green,  ibid. 
Abbey-street,  ibid. 
Assembly-Rooms,   Kingston, 

Regulations,   Terras,    &c. 

103. 

Antiquities,  collection  of,  120. 
Architecture,  fine  specimens 

of,  126. 

Alfred-street,  127. 
Ashe,  Mr.  and  Mrs.   136. 
Ail  Saints'  Chapel,  160. 
Avon-street,   171. 
Avon,  the  river,  174. 
Albion  Brewery,  175. 
Argyle-buildings,  180. 
Allen's  Walk,  190. 
Antique  Castle,  shell  of,  204. 
Aqueduct,  the. description  of, 

20.5. 

America-buildings,  211. 
Arno'sVale,  241. 


Brighton,  contrasted  with 
Bath,  2. 

Bath  the  universal  place  of 
resort,  and  the  pleasure  of 
commencing  a  journey,  3. 

Brentford,  account  of,  7. 

Berkeley,  Earl  of,   14. 

Bushy  Park,  15. 

Benbam  Park,  22. 

Burdett,  Sir  Francis,  23. 

Beckharnpton  Inn,  25. 

Box,  pretty  village  of,  28. 

Bath  Easton,  29,  220. 

Beaufort-buildings,  32. 

Bedford-street,  33. 


Brunswick-street,  ibid. 

Bladud-buildiugs,  34. 

Bath,  ancient  history  of,  re- 
marks, &c.  37. 

Bladud,  King,  account  of,  38. 

Bath,  founded  by  the  Ro- 
mans, 40. 

Bath,  modern,  its  fashionable 
origin,  rise  and  progress,43. 

Ball-Room,  when  none  at 
Bath,  44. 

Bath,  Countess  of,  50. 

Bath,  distinguished  for  its 
woollen  trade,  at  one  pe- 
riod, 56. 

Boarding-Houses,  59. 

Bond-street,  70. 

Bond-street-buildings,  ibid. 

Burton-street,  71. 

Bath  and  West  of  England 
Society.  91. 

Bath  and  Bath  Forum  Free 
School,  92. 

Bradley's  Buildings,  93. 

Bath  Bridge,  Old,  ibid. 

Bailiwick,  Old  Ruin,  100. 

Butler,  a  gentleman's  servant, 
hung,  124. 

Burlington-street,  125. 

Burlington-place,  ibid. 

Ballance-street,  ibid. 

Bennet-street,  127. 

Barton-street,  141. 

Beaufort-square,  ibid. 

Blue  School,  144. 

Bath-lane,  147. 

Baldwin,  Mr.  architect,  150. 

Bond-street,  New,  154. 

Broad-street,  ibid. 

Bath  Penitentiary  and  Lock 
Hospital,  155. 

Bon  Ton,  what  is  it?  '163. 

Brock-street,  ibid. 

Belmont-row,  ibid. 

Belvidere-House,  ibid. 

Barton's  Fields,  1<59. 


INDEX. 


Broad  Quay,  170. 

Back-street,  171. 

Bath  City  Infirmary  and  Dis- 
pensary, ibid. 

Bimberries,orBlackAlms,ibid 

Bellot's  Hospital,  Belltree- 
lanc,  ibid. 

Brook's  Lock,  175. 

Bath  Association  for  aiding 
the  Missions  of  the  United 
Brethren,  177. 

Bridge-street,  180. 

Bridewell,  account  of,  188. 

By  field-buildings,  202. 

Bath,  or  Freestone,  its  pro- 
perties, 203. 

Brass  Knocker,  the,  205. 

Bath-Hampton  Church,  epi- 
taph, &c.  207. 

Bath-Hampton,village  of,208 

Bailbrook  Lodge,  ibid. 

B  lath  way  te  Arms,  212. 

Bath  cream-cheese,  213. 

Battle  fought  at  Lansdown, 
ibid. 

Brislington,  village  of,  240. 

Bristol-itorie,  its  valuable 
properties,  246. 

Brandon  Hill,  Bristol,  fine 
view  from  it,  251. 

Bristol  Bridge,  252. 

Booksellers,  275. 


Company  at  Margate,  poeti- 
cal description  of,  1. 

Cheltenham,  its  season,  2. 

Cockney  leaving  London,  3. 

Chiswick-House,  7. 

Child,  Mr.  the  banker,  anec- 
dote of,  10. 

Cranford  Bridge,  14. 

Clarence,  Duke  of,  15. 

Colnbrook,  village  of,  18. 

Calcot  Green,  21. 

Craven,  Earl  of,  22. 

Cherrill,  distinguished  for  its 
large  white  horse,  cut  out 
of  the  turf  on  the  hill,  by 
Christopher  Alsop,  anec- 
dotes of,  24. 

Colman,  George,  Esq.  26. 


Calne,  town  of,  26. 

Curious  custom  of  the  chil- 
dren on  the  road,  27. 

Chippenham,  town  of,  28. 

Charter  granted  to  Bath  by 
Queen  Elizabeth,  43. 

Charter,  new  one,  with  an  ex- 
tension of  privileges,  grant- 
ed by  Geo.  III.  ibid. 

Cathedral  Church,  descrip- 
tion of,  74. 

Cross  Bath,  89. 

Corn-street,  92. 

Church,  New,  Bath  wick,  99. 

Catholic  Chapel,  124. 

Cottle's  Lane,  125. 

Catharine's  Place,  ibid. 

Circus,  description  of,  126. 

Concerts,  subscription,  terms, 
&c.  J35. 

Coal  Market,  account  of,  145. 

Cheap-street,  148. 

Chatham,  Earl  of,   150. 

Camden,  Earl  of,  ibid. 

City  Balls,  151. 

Court  of  Requests,  &c.  152. 

Corn  Market,  155. 

Cornwall-street,  ibid. 

Chatham-row,  156. 

Camden-street,  157. 

(.';u  endish-crescent,  161. 

Caveadish-place,  ibid. 

Crescent  Fields,   162. 

Clarke's  Lane,  171. 

Corn -street,  Little,  ibid. 

Charles-street,  173. 

Casualty  Hospital,  177. 

Claverton-place,  189. 

Classic  Ground,  English,  191. 

Combe  Down  and  StoncQuar- 
ry,  description  of,  202. 

Clavcrtou  Down,  204. 

Claverton  House  and  Church, 

206. 
Christ  Church,  210. 

Corsham  House ;  catalogue 
of  the  paintings,  descrip- 
tion of  the  grounds,  &c. 
219. 

Cook's  Folly,  Clifton,  248. 
Clifton  Downs,  249. 
Clifton  Church,  201. 


INDEX. 


287 


Clifford,  Lord,  grounds  and 
park  of,  256. 

Coaches  from  London  to 
Bath,  59. 

Coaches,  list  of,  from  Bath 
to  London,  and  various 
other  parts  of  the  Kingdom, 
276. 

Caravans  on  the  Bath,  Bris- 
tol, and  other  roads,  279. 


Duchess  of  Devonshire,  7. 
Druid's  Temple,  25. 
Derry  Hill,  27. 
Dover-street,  33. 
Duke  of  Beaufort,  an  early 

patron  of  Bath,  45. 
Duke  of  Bedford,    bust  of, 

91. 

Darlington-street,  99. 
Duke-street,  101. 
Duke  of  Sussex,  119. 
Dodd,  Dr.  W.  126. 
Duel  between  two  Frenchmen 

of  rank,  204. 
Donkeys,  charge  per  hour,  at 

Clifton,  249. 
Draper,  Sir  William,  ihid. 
Dressing-room    of    Lady   <le 

Clifford,  V.-58. 


Entrance  to  Bath,  description 
of,  30. 

Epitome  of  ancient  and  mo- 
dern Bath,  36. 

Earl  of  Darlington,  50. 

Epigrams  on  the  vast  increase 
of  Bath,  51. 

Eating  Houses,  60. 

Edgar-buildings,  68. 

Eye  Infirmary,  91. 

Extraordinary  duel  between 
Mr.  Sheridan  and  Mr. 
Matthews,  265. 


Forgeries,  extent  of,  14. 
Froxfield,  Almshouses  at,  24. 
Fifield,  ibid. 
FriendlyBrothers,  club  of,34. 


Fares  allowed  to  the  Chair- 
men, 61. 

First  place  of  attraction  at 
Bath,  67. 

Fashionable  promenade,  68. 

Ferry,  the.,  100. 

Freemasons'  Hall,  description 
of,  116. 

Frail  Sisterhood,  172. 

Free  Girls'  School,  189. 

Fielding,  Henry,  Esq.   191 . 

Fine  Arts,  219. 

Fox,  Dr.  anecdote  of,  241. 

Fairs  at  Bath,  283. 


Grand  Junction    Canal,    its 

extent,  9. 

George  III.  long  reign  of,  18. 
Grosvenor-place,  32. 
Gaming,  Bath  distinguished 

for,  45. 

General  Hospital,  71. 
General  Wade,  78. 
Gloucester  Place  and  Street, 

125. 

Gay-street,  137. 
Gravel-walk,  139. 
Gascoyn-place,  144. 
Garrick's  Head  Tavern,  146. 
Guildhall,  description  of,  150. 
Green-street,  154. 
Grammar  School,  Public,  ib. 
Gerrard-street,  171. 
Grcen-park-buildings,  West, 

17.?. 

Green-park-place,  East,  ib. 
Gasometer,  the,  175. 
Grove-street,  180. 
Graves,  the  Rev.  Mr.  206. 
Grove-place,  211. 
Grand  Stand,  ibid. 
Gobeling  tapestry,  234. 
"  Gypsyine"  it  at  Lee-wood, 

V46. 

Giant's  Hole,  ibid. 
Grotto,   curious,   at   Clifton, 

251. 
George  III.  bust  of,   151. 

Holland  House,  4. 


288 


INDEX. 


Hammersmith,  ibid. 

Hounslow,  account  of,  12. 

Halloran,  a  noted  highway- 
man, original  anecdote  of, 
13. 

Herschell,  Sir  William,  anec- 
dote of,  18. 

Hare  Hatch,  village  of,  20. 

Half-way  House,  22. 

Hungerford,  account   of   its 

"  Home-brewed,"  excellent, 
23. 

Hanover-place,  33. 

Huntingdon's,  Countess  of, 
Chapel,  34. 

Harmonic  Society,  64. 

Hot-Bath,  90. 

Hetling-court,  91. 

Horse-street,  92. 

Humane  Society  drags,  &.c. 
101. 

Henry -street,  127. 

Harris-street,  ibid. 

Harley-street,  125. 

Harrington-place,  141. 

High-street,  148. 

Henrietta-street,  168. 

House  of  Protection,  account 
of,  166. 

Hooper-street,  211. 

Haselbury-hill,  220. 

Holloway,  237. 

Hospital  for  Idiots,  238. 

Hawkins,  Sir  John,  Bt.  240. 

Hot  Wells,  Bristol,  244. 

Hot-Well-House  and  Pump- 
Rooin,  Bristol,  its  water, 
&c.  ibid. 

Hongroad,  254. 


Itinerary  (descriptive)  from 
London  to  Bath,  1. 

Iron  House,  33. 

Increase  of  Bath  ;  its  popu- 
lation, &c.  48. 

Inns,  principal,  at  Bath,  59. 

Inscription  of  the  Corner- 
stone of  Bathwick  Church, 
99. 

Inscription-stone  of  the  New 
Freemasons'  Hall,  118. 


Independent  Meeting-House, 
(Mr.  Jay's,)  180. 

Isabella-place,  delightful  pro- 
spect from,  201. 

Itinerary  (descriptive)  from 
Bath  to  Bristol,  237. 

Itinerary  of  the  principal 
roads  from  Bath,  282. 


Jersey,  Earl  of,  10. 

Jordan,  Mrs.  celebrated  co- 
median, anecdotes  of,  poe- 
try, epitaph,  &c.  16. 

Jurisdiction  of  Bath,  55. 

John's  Chapel,  St.  91. 

James's  Paradtj,  St.  92. 

James's  Church,  St.  93. 

John-street,  St.  141. 

Jarnes's-square,  St.  161. 

Johristone-street,  180. 

Jail,  New,  Bristol,  242. 


Kew  Palace,  8. 
Kiln-green,  20. 
Kensington-place,  32. 
Kensington  Chapel,  ibid. 
Kennet  and  Avon  Canal,  55. 
King's  Bath,  86. 
Kingston  Baths,  94. 
Kingston-buildings,  97. 
Kingston   Rooms ;   or,    Old, 

102. 

Kingsmead-terrace,  173. 
Kings-street,  Mew,  175. 
Kingsmead-street,  177. 
Kelwcston  House,  239. 
Keynsham,  town  of,  240. 
King's-road,  Bristol,  248. 
King's  Weston  Hill,  257. 


List  of  Plates,  x. 
Land's  End,  road  to,  12. 
Longford,  village  of,  15. 
Langley-Broom,  18. 
Lansdowne,Marquisof,  anec- 
dote of,  27. 
Larabridge,  31. 
Lower  East-Hayes,  33. 
Long-Acre,  ibl'. 


INDEX. 


School  >  94s 


155, 

tAuo 


;ii,  ibid. 


Mr, 


168, 


ills,  1?1. 


180, 

Laura  fchapel,  Ml. 

Labyrinth,  or  Maw  in 
ner  Gardens,  account 'of, 
185. 

Lookout,  antique,  in  Prior- 
park,  3O4. 

LatNsdownssquare,  911. 


r,  account  of, 
Uandown  Pillar,  ibid, 
LMpfighterVHaU,  Glouces- 

or  connected  with  Bath, 

John  Hales  ibid- 
Mr.  Areftey,  ibid. 
Mrs,  Shendan,  263. 
R.  TSckell,  Esq.  368 
Sir  John  and  lady  Mil- 
John  Palmer,  Esq .  Wt  I , 
W.  Dimond,  Esq.  979. 
Rev.  Richard  Warner, 

ibid. 

Miss  Warner,  973, 
Dr.  Harrington  j  ibid. 
Caleb     Hitlk-r    Parry, 

M.D.  274, 


John  Cranch,  191. 
Philosophical  and  Lite- 
rary Institution,  190. 
Public  Library,  ibid. 


Margate    compared    with 

Bath,  1, 

Mail  Coach  adventures,  ibid. 
Margravine  of  Anspach,  4, 
Marlborough,  Duke  of,  10, 
Maidonhoa.  1  Bridge,  10. 
Maidenhead,  town  of,   and 

thicket,  90. 

Miseries  of  travelling,  99, 
Marlborough  Forest,  94, 


Marlborough,  town  of,  white 
horse  cut  out  of  the  turf, 

ibid, 
Manton,ibid, 


Monuments  of  Quin,  Ra«t- 
«ni,  Beau  Nash,  Lady 
Miller,  &c,  78. 

Masters  of  the  Ceremonies, 
at  various  times,  105, 198. 


Margaret-buildings,  196. 
Margaret  Chapel,  ibid. 
Managers  of    die   Theatre, 

various,  143, 
Market-house,  148. 
Market,  public,  ibid. 
MukerMuheado^bronae.lSO, 
Mayor  of  Bath,  gallantry  o& 

Margaret-place,  157, 
Mount-pleasant,  160. 
Marlborooeh- street,  161, 
Marlborough-buUdiugs,  ibid. 
Moravian  Burying-ground, 

166. 

Milk-street,  173. 
Mancroft-place,  175. 
Aronmouth-street,  177. 
Moravian  Chapel,  ibid. 
Monuments  of  Ralph  Allen, 

Esq.  and  of  the  wife  and 

son  of  Bishop  Warburton, 

906. 

Montpeher-row,  910. 
Morelandj  George,  990. 

Magdalene    Chape), 


Mary 


Montpelier  of  England,  948. 
Mangeon  Hotel,  Clifton,  951. 
Mites;  Mr.  house  of,  956. 
U 


INDEX. 


Northumberland,  Duke  of, 
9. 

Newbury,  town  of,  21. 

Nelson-place,  33. 

Newspapers,  60. 

Newspaper  presented  to  her 
Majesty,  94. 

Nash,  Beau,  history  of,  anec- 
dotes, &c.  105. 

Northumberland-place,  153. 

Northgate-street,  154. 

Nelson-place,  157. 

Notice,  curious,  at  Weston, 
168. 

Norfolk  Crescent,  173. 

Nelson-street,  175. 

Nile-street,  ibid. 


Old  Time,a  poetical  address,7 
Overton,  village  of,  24. 
Octagon  Chapel,  69. 
Orange  Grove,  116. 
Orchard  street,  124. 
Old  Masters,  247. 


Peter  Pindar,  anecdote  of,  1. 
Palace  at  Brighton,  account 

of,  3. 

Poem  addressed  to  the  heart,5 
Pickwick,  village  of,  28. 
Piccadilly,  33. 
Paragon-buildings,  34. 
Physicians  not  bathing,  39. 
Pulteney,  Sir  William,  49. 
Poetic  description  of  Bath,52. 
Police  of  Bath,  55, 
Poetry,   on    the    restorative 

qualities  of  the  water  of 

Bath,  56. 
Penny- Post,  60. 
Public  Libraries, Circulating, 

ibid. 

Post-Office,  General,  62. 
Parsonage-lane,  71. 
Pump-Room,  Great,  83. 
Private  Baths,  New,  87. 
Pinch,  Mr.  architect,  98. 
Pulteney  Bridge,  view  of,101. 
Parade,  North,  ibid. 
Pierrepoint-street,  102. 


Phillips-street,  124. 
Portland-place,  125. 
Portland  Chapel,  ibid. 
Poetic  description  of  theBalls, 

134. 

Performers  of  the  Bath  Thea- 
tre, 141. 
Parsonage  House,  account  of, 

147. 
Prince    and     Princess    of 

Orange,  150. 
Pin  Manufactory,  155. 
Palmer,  Mr.  architect,  160. 
Park-place,  161. 
Pulteney  Bridge,  280. 
Pulteney-street,  Great,  ibid. 
Poetic  Address  to  the  Bower 

in  Sydney  Gardens,  by  Mr. 

Sheridan,  183. 
Pulteney-street,Great  Upper, 

187. 
Prior  Park- House,description 

of,  189. 
Pope    and    Martha   Blouut, 

197. 

Prospect-place,  202. 
Prospect-style,       description 

of,  215. 

Poetic  description  of  St.  Vin- 
cent's Rocks,  247. 
Prince    of  Wales's  Crescent, 

Clifton,  250. 
Pen  Pole,  fine  prospect  from, 

255. 

Pill,  town  of,  ibid. 
Paintings,  list  of,  at  Lord  de 

Clifford's  House,  259. 


Queen,  death  of  her  Majesty, 
and  remarks  on  her  cha- 
racter, 8. 

Quemerfbrd  Bridge,  26. 

Queen's  Bath,  87. 

Quaker's  Meeting-house,  92. 

Queensbury,    Duchess   of, 
anecdote  of,  110. 

Queen-square,  137. 

Queen-square  Chapel,  139. 

Quiet-street,  141. 

Quay,  New,  17S. 

Queen's  Parade,  178. 


INDEX. 


291 


Queen's  House,  description  of,  | 

186. 
Queen Elizabeth,fine  painting  j 

atCorsham  House,  233. 


Reading,  town  of,  21. 

Riding  Schools,  61. 

Royal  visitors  at  Bath,  va- 
rious times,  64. 

Rack,  Mr.  Edmund,  91. 

Road,New,toW5dcombe,100. 

Rivers-street,  125. 

Room,   New  ;  or  Upper,  ac-  | 
count  of,  127. 

Rauzzini,  Mr.  136. 

Royal  Crescent,  161. 

Richmond  House,  211. 

Race  Ground,  ibid. 

Steam  boats,  advantages  of,  1. 

Sion  House,  9. 

Srnallberry  Green,  10. 

Sir  Joseph  Banks,  ibid. 

Slough,  village  of,  18. 

Salt-Hill,  ibid. 

Scott,  Sir  William,  20. 

Spei-nhamland,   21. 

Speen,  numerous  seats,  22. 

Silbury  Hill,  15. 

Studley,  village  of,  27. 

Subscription-house,  35. 

Sedan  Chairs,  &c.  61. 

Society  for  promoting  Chris- 
tian Knowledge,  70. 

Stall-street,  74. 

Sydney-place,  98. 

South-parade,  101. 

Saville-row,  127. 

Saw's-close,  146. 

Search  nights  at  Bath,  con- 
sequences of,  1.52. 

St.  Michael's  Church,  154. 

Spencer's  Belle  Vue,  160. 

Somerset-place,  161. 

Somerset  House,  ibid. 

Sion  Hill,  166. 

St.  Catharine's  Hospital,  171. 

Seymour-street,  173. 

Sheridan,  Richard  Brinsley, 
Esq.  175. 

Stanhope  street,  175. 


Stable-lane,  178. 

Sunderland-street,  181. 

Sydney  Tavern  and  Gardens, 
account  of,  ibid. 

Springfield-place,  211. 

Saltford,  240. 

St.  Vincent's  Parade,  Clifton, 
245. 

St.  Vincent's  Rocks,  ibid. 

Sion  House,  Clifton,  250. 

Sharpies,  Miss  and  George, 
portrait-painters,  in  cray- 
ons, at  Clifton,  ibid. 

Sail  to  the  port  of  Pill,  253. 

Shirehampton,  village  of, 
Gloucestershire,  255. 


Turnham     Green,     various 
seats,  6. 

Tetsworth  Water,  18. 

Teryford,  village  of,  20. 

Theal,  seats  near  it,  21. 

Thatcham,  ibid. 

Theatre,  Old,  124. 

Theatre    Royal,     New,     ac- 
count of,  141. 

Trim-street,  144. 

Turnerdli,  Mr.   151. 

Twiverton,  village  of,  239. 

Tomb  Marie,  257. 


Unitarian  Chapel,  144. 
Upper  Boiough  Walls,  154. 
Upper  Camden-place,  159. 
Upper  Park-street,  161. 
Upper  Bristol -road,  175. 
Union  Blue  CoatSchool,178. 


Vineyards,  the,  34. 
Visit  to  Corsham  House,  219. 
Visit  to  Lord    de  Clifford's 
House,  256. 


Windsor  Castle,  view  of,  18. 
Woolhampton,  village  of,  21. 
West-Kennet,  famed  for  its 

beverage,  25. 
Wai  cot-build  ings,  33. 


INDEX, 


Walcol  New  Chape!,  33. 

Webster,  Captain,  first  master 
of  the  ceremonies,  45. 

Westgate-buildings,  91. 

Weymoath-street,  93, 

Waterloo  Gardens,  100. 

Wood,  Mr.  architect  ac- 
count of,  138. 

Wood-street,  141. 

Westgate-slreet,  147. 

Walcot  -street,  155. 

Walcot  nurving-Ground,lS6\ 

Walcot  Church,  Monument?, 
&c.  ibid. 

Walcot  Parade,  15?. 

Walcot  Ferry,  ibid, 

Winifred's  Cottage,  St.  161. 

Westoiij  village  of,  promenade 
10,164. 

Waterfall  at  Weston,  167. 

Weston  Church,  monuments, 
&c.  ibid. 

Whitehead,  Miss,  estate  of, 
109. 


Wine-street,  1T1. 

Wesley  an  Chapel,  account  of, 

175. 

William-street,  181. 
Waterloo-place,  189. 
Widcome,  ibid. 
VVidcome  Parade,  ibid. 
Warburton,  Bishop,  191. 
Western,  Squire,  no  traces  of 

the  original  character,  194. 
Wick,  Rocks  of,  216. 
White  Swan,  Pickwick, 2*1. 
ttatts's  Folly,  CHfton,  243, 
Walts,  Mr.  anecdote  of,*44. 
William   and  Mary  Packet, 

loss  of,  255. 
Wagajons,  list  of,  288. 
Water  Carriage,  283. 


York-place,  S3. 
York-buildings,  34. 
York  Hotel,  ibid. 


THE  END. 


MARCHAKT,  Printer, 
logram-Court,  London. 


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